Dec. 19, 2014 --
WASHINGTON -- Two sailors from Marine Barracks
Washington, D.C., were recently named the Senior Sailor of the Year and Junior
Sailor of the Year for the National Capital Region by the U.S. Navy.
Sailor of the Year is an award given to sailors, who on a
continual basis, perform at a superior level and uphold the highest traditions
of naval service.
Petty Officer 1st Class Sergio Rivassorto, a religious
program specialist, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Pappas, a hospital
corpsman, were selected from the various naval commands throughout the region.
The two were
chosen based on leadership, job performance, educational accomplishments and
professional development. All applicants were also judged on their personal
appearance, military bearing and answers to questions before a board of senior
sailors.
Rivassorto in his role as an assistant to the chaplain is
a fine example of what a religious program specialist should emulate, said
Barracks Chaplain Lt. James Dewey. "He takes care of others and portrays
the Barracks in a positive light."
Rivassorto, an El Salvador native, joined the Navy in
2002. He said mentorship was the key to his success on the board.
"I had a Petty Officer when I was a lower enlisted
who mentored me, pushed me to be a better sailor, and guided me to success. I
feel like I have a responsibility to continue that tradition of
mentorship," he said.
Winning this board will help him when it comes time for
promotion to chief petty officer, he said.
The Junior Sailor of the Year winner, Pappas, is
affectionately known by Barracks Marines as "Doc." This is a term
often used throughout the Marine Corps for hospital corpsmen attached to Marine
units.
Pappas is the leading petty officer for the corpsmen
attached to the Barracks. He has 4 other corpsmen below him and is responsible
for assisting in the smooth daily operation of the Barracks’ medical section.
Chief Petty Officer Peter Buck, his supervisor, said
Pappas was the sailor he looks to when something needs to get done.
"Pappas does a stand up job," he said.
Pappas is native to South Amboy, N.J., and joined the
Navy in 2008. The secret to his success is trust between his leaders, peers and
subordinates he said.
"I wouldn't be where I am today if the Marines and
sailors didn't have confidence in me," said Pappas.
By winning these boards, these two sailors have continued
the tradition of excellence for which the Barracks is known.