WASHINGTON. (NNS) -- U.S. Navy personnel attended a birthday celebration honoring the Navy Reserve's 97th year of establishment at the Navy Memorial March 2.
Chief of Navy Reserve (CNR) Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, spoke during the celebration where he retold many key points in the Navy Reserve's history.
"Our Navy Reserve was established 97 years ago on March 3, 1915, and in those 97 years we have served the nation with distinction," Debbink said. "Our nation is free today in part because of those Sailors who went before us and stood the watch with honor in both peace and war. We can take enormous pride in our Navy Reserve heritage."
CNR explained how the role of members of the Navy Reserve had changed throughout the years and how they continued to be there for the Navy and the nation.
"Before now, mobilization was maybe a one-time, once in a career event," Debbink said. "It's been more than 10 years since 9/11. That means that every Sailor has enlisted or re-enlisted since this conflict began, knowing that mobilization is not a question of if, but when."
Navy Reserve Force Master Chief (AW) Chris Wheeler and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West also spoke during the celebration.
MCPON led the audience in singing "Happy Birthday" to the Navy Reserve then spoke to the audience about how Sailors embody the "Navy Ethos."
"The "Navy Ethos" is a document that really does identify who we are as an organization and clearly charts a course of character and integrity," West said. "If you read the ethos carefully you will realize you have been living those words since joining the navy for the first time though the spirit of maritime service has been captured and put on paper."
During the celebration employers, DoD civilians, Navy ombudsman, and Reserve Sailors who embody the "Navy Ethos" were presented with awards.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs David L. McGinnis presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Seven Seals award to United States Department of Agriculture Office of Ethics for their support of Navy Reservists.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Infrastructure Strategy and Analysis Dennis Biddick presented homecoming statues in recognition of Linda Morton, Michelle Harvey and Sally Guild to recognize their superior support as Navy Operational Support Center Ombudsmen.
"These volunteers have a direct line to the Commanding Officer to address matters of concern regarding families. They are so much more though," Debbink said. "They are trained to help families avoid problems. They know how to get resources when there are problems. And often, they are the first and best friend a new family has coming to a unit."
Debbink also recognized the three ombudsmen with certificates of recognition to express appreciation for their unselfish, faithful, and dedicated service as Navy ombudsman for more than 4,500 Sailors and their families.
As a new addition to being recognized during the Navy Reserve Anniversary Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRFC) Junior and Senior Civilians of the Year, Sandra Buchanan and Dawn Moore.
"Our civilian workforce is an essential component of our Navy Total Force - active, Reserve and civilians, all working together, with their own unique contributions to our effort," Debbink said.
Finally medals were presented to five Navy Reserve Sailors who embody the Ready Now spirit of the Navy Reserve.
"Because of the people here today, and people like them all over the world, the Navy Reserve will always be Ready Now. Anytime, Anywhere," Debbink said. "If the Navy Reserve is Ready Now, we can help ensure that our Navy - America's Navy: A Global Force For Good - will be strong in the future."
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