7 Chief Selects!

I found out about my selection when the CO announced it over the 1MC this afternoon. I didn’t know before the announcement that I’d made it and it’s one of those things where you try not to get too involved as it winds down to the last few days, because on the flipside, if your name doesn’t get called it can be a heart crusher. At the same time you try to stay positive and stay focused and you wish that your name will be on that list.

I was here in the S-1 [Supply Support] shop with the rest of my guys when the announcement was made. We listened to the names being called one by one and once the CO called my name, all hell broke loose in this office. I didn’t get a chance to hear the remaining names being called because there was a lot of yelling and congratulating and commenting going on.

Prior to the announcement, I had my head down and my hands were sweating and I breathing hard and had butterflies. AS soon as they called my name I felt at ease. I won’t be taking any more exams either, and that’s a great feeling.

Today was the official beginning of chief induction, so from now until we get pinned is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears and just trying to keep our minds focused and our ears open. These seasoned chiefs are going to have a lot of wisdom and a lot of leadership scenarios to help us out in our careers. It’s going to be interesting. I’m looking forward to. I’ve been waiting for it for a while and it finally came.  

I reached my 15-year mark in March. This is definitely an accomplishment and a milestone in my career. I was blessed to be selected for chief.

The best advice I can give to the Junior Sailors is that hard work will pay off. Listen to your leadership for wise counsel. Take the tools that you learn early in your career and implement them into your work ethic. All the little things like the attention to detail, caring for folks, and staying late come together to strengthen your package. It’s a unique thing to think about, but although my individual name was called out, it wasn’t just me that got me here. I’ve had a lot of people who’ve supported me from day one. Individuals from all the way up and down the ranks, including my old leadership, new leadership, and also my family and friends have supported me from the very beginning. It was my name that was called, but getting here was a group effort.

I have a couple mentors I’d like to mention and thank for helping me: Mr. Koonce who is out in Japan and of course my current chief, Chief Logistics Specialist Brooks, who was one of the mentors that got me on the right path and really pushed me and gave the encouragement I needed when I was losing focus. 

V/R

Chief Select Logistics Specialist (SW/AW) Josue Negron