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	080109-N-9769P-003 WASHINGTON (Jan 8, 2008) The Recruiters of the Year for Navy Recruiting Command stand in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington during Recruiter of the Year Week. Every year, Navy Recruiting Command hosts its top recruiters during a week of celebrations and awards in the nation's capital. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jayme Pastoric (Released)
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CNO Honors Recruiters of the Year at Ceremony
Story Number: NNS080110-03
1/10/2008

From Navy News Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead honored the Navy's top recruiters during an awards ceremony held at the U.S. Navy Memorial Jan. 9, during the annual Recruiter of the Year (ROY) week in Washington.

Roughead, who often speaks of the importance of recruiting, attracting and retaining Sailors, thanked the recruiters and emphasized the importance of what they do for the Navy.

"All of what we own, all of what we buy, our ships, our submarines, our airplanes, or expeditionary equipment, has no value," said Roughead. "None whatsoever, until we take the ingredient that [recruiters] give us. And that's people. People are the Navy. And the people you're dealing with are the Navy of tomorrow."

Roughead went on to explain that recruiters don't find people to fill out the Navy, but rather they make it possible for young men and women to find the Navy and it's multitude of challenges and opportunities.

"This award tonight is a very special occasion," said Recruiter of the Year winner Navy Counselor 1st Class (AW/SW) Louis Garza. "Going through recruiting and dealing with the trials and tribulations of recruiting duty is very difficult, and to find out that hard work and dedication has paid off in the end, really makes you feel good."

Various organizations presented certificates, gift cards and awards to the 13 top recruiters. In addition, each received a Navy Commendation Medal, a coin from the CNO and their family members received certificates of appreciation for their support and sacrifice.

Rear Adm. Joseph Kilkenny, commander, Navy Recruiting Command, kicked of the festivities addressing the 13 recruiters, who represent the best of the Sailors serving as recruiters around the world.

"Navy recruiters may not be at the tip of the spear, but never doubt that the work they do, day in and day out has a direct impact on the Navy's state of readiness." said Kilkenny. "[They] work each and every day to maintain, build and support our Navy."

The awards ceremony was the culmination of the week of Jan. 7 - 11 in the nation's capital for the 13 winners. Events included luncheons with civilian organizations with strong support of the Navy, meetings with senior Navy leadership and visits to historical sites.

Additionally, the two enlisted recruiters of the year were promoted to the next paygrade.

For more news from the Chief of Naval Operations, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cno/.