Navy Dad Receives Military Fatherhood Award

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Riley, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- A Naval Base Kitsap Sailor received the 2011 Military Fatherhood Award during a ceremony in Bremerton, Wash. June 16.

The National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) selected Logistics Specialist 1st Class Christopher Cady, leading petty officer at priority material office headquarters aboard Naval Base Kitsap, from nominees around the world.

NFI honors a military father every year who is dedicated to his children and displays ongoing commitment to father from a distance while deployed, balances military life and family life, and helps mentor other military fathers and children who are separated from each other.

"It's extremely humbling," said Cady. "I didn't learn about the award until I found out I was nominated; extremely humbling."

Out of nearly 600 nominations, Cady was narrowed down to one of the three finalists by NFI. The public then was able to vote for the winner through a special Facebook page which had video stories of each finalist.

Cady said NFI sent the finalists video cameras and instructions for making their video submissions.

"I don't think I'm doing anything that any other father wouldn't do," Cady said. "I am honored and humbled to receive this award."

NFI President Roland C. Warren said Cady exemplifies the best of what involved, responsible and committed fatherhood is all about. He said Cady has fully dedicated himself to caring for his son, but also honorably serves the Nation as an exemplary Sailor.

"NFI is truly honored to give this award to a truly amazing dad and Sailor," Warren said.

Cady is a single father who cares for his 11-year-old son, Joshua, who was born with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and is legally blind and deaf. CMV affects muscle control and can cause seizures.

Cady says he's not comfortable being in the limelight but he likes the attention CMV is getting throughout his experience.