Reserve Sailor of the Year Announced

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hannah Brim, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Chief of the Navy Reserve (CNR) announced her selection for Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year (RSOY) during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., April 10.

Vice Adm. Robin R. Braun announced Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Paul Marticorena of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3, Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., as this year's selectee.

During the ceremony, Braun emphasized the sacrifices made by these Sailors.

"You are not just Sailors, you are Reserve Sailors with responsibilities beyond the Navy. Yet, somehow, you make it all work family, civilian career, and Navy," said Braun. "When I speak of the 'Citizen Sailor', it is the thousands of hard-working men and women of the Navy Reserve, who you represent, who do so much across the globe to support the Navy mission. You and your families give up one of your most important assets and that is your time. A mere thank you doesn't seem enough, but please know the impact you and your shipmates have on the Navy's mission."

Marticorena received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal during the ceremony and will be meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer later this year.

Joining Marticorena as RSOY finalists were Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Lawrence W. Beckhaus, assigned to SEAL UNIT 17; Yeoman 1st Class Cecilia E. Mitchell, assigned to Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command 119; Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Beatriz R. Schulmeister, assigned to Operational Health Support Unit Bremerton DET N; and Information Systems Technician 1st Class Francisco Zuniga, assigned to Navy Mobilization and Processing Site Norfolk.

Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Clarence "CJ" Mitchell spoke at the event, praising the finalists and sharing his pride in their contributions to the force.

"All of the finalists were articulate, passionate and dedicated professionals that represented their units and communities very well. Their commitment to service on behalf of others is noteworthy," said Mitchell. "Petty Officer Marticorena's confident deckplate training and mentorship of Reserve and active component Sailors is an example to be followed by others."

Marticorena is from Van Nuys, Calif., enlisted in the Navy in 1997, and joined the Navy Reserve in 2006.

Former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Jack Whittet initiated the SOY program in 1972 to recognize outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors; the program was later expanded to honor the top shore and Reserve Force Sailors of the year.