Alaskan Command member wins Sailor of the Year

  • Published
  • By Capt Anastasia Wasem
  • Alaskan Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Petty Officer 1st Class William Brown, Alaskan Command Manpower, Personnel and Administration Directorate navy administration officer, won Alaska Sailor of the Year Feb. 20 during the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska's 39th Annual Salute to the Military banquet.

Brown was one of 12 military members to be honored at the ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of Alaska's most outstanding junior enlisted Armed Service members.

"I'm proud to be able to represent the Navy by winning this award," said Brown. "There were a lot of other very qualified candidates, so I feel honored to be the one chosen out of so many great Sailors."

The process to compete for and win the award included submission of a package highlighting Brown's accomplishments during the past year and an interview before a panel of senior non-commissioned officers.

"As a member of the SOY board, let me say that the evaluation was very close," stated Senior Master Sgt. John Jennings, Alaskan Command Joint Communications Operations superintendent. "However, Brown demonstrated the leadership, sustained performance and superior character that epitomize Navy core values."

Brown, who hails from Caroline County, Virginia, graduated from Caroline High School and is the son of William Brown and Viola Smith feels that his drive was the major factor that contributed to winning the award.

"I'm very serious about my career, my life and the lives of others. I think the board saw those characteristics as good qualities for the Sailor of the Year to have," said Brown. "I also coach and mentor teens. I've been coaching kids ages seven to 18 since 2007."

According to Capt. Raymond Hesser, Alaskan Command Plans, Policy, and Resources director and Alaska's senior naval officer, the criteria to be competitive for the award included professional expertise, off duty education, leadership and community involvement.

"Brown stood out for his off duty education and especially for his persistent and extensive involvement and leadership in community youth activities. Sailor of the Year is a highly respected program in the U.S. Navy, so being selected this year is not only an honor, but will help his chances of being advanced to the next highest rank. We sincerely hope that he is promoted to chief petty officer," stated Hesser.

Brown says that he plans to complete a full 20-year career in the Navy and is excited for the future challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.