NMCB 28 Names Sailor of the Year

SHREVEPORT, La. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) to Builder 1st Class (SCW) Perry Morales Jan. 29, in recognition of his being named the battalion's Reserve Sailor of the Year (SOY) for 2005.

The SOY program is designed to recognize and reward the dedication and performance of outstanding enlisted Sailors.

Morales, who commutes eight hours to drill with NMCB 28’s Detachment 7 at the Readiness Support Site (RSS), Barksdale Air Force Base, has functioned within the past year as the battalion safety leading petty officer (LPO), Operations Department quality control LPO, Air Detachment Charlie 2nd Platoon petty officer, and battalion hazardous materials petty officer.

In addition, he provided labor, knowledge and leadership on several projects, including a server vault being constructed at the RSS and an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) project on Red Lake Indian Reservation near Bimidji, Minn., where Seabees from NMCB 28 and NMCB 25 built three houses and 13 miles of road for the community.

Builder 1st Class (SCW) Shawn Hinderberger, also of Detachment 7, has worked with Morales for several years on drill weekends, special projects and field and training exercises.

“Morales has always believed in others and always pushes his troops to step up to that next level." said Hinderberger. "I know he has helped me out and pushed me to achieve greatness. He is very dedicated to NMCB 28 and the Navy, which he demonstrates by the constant phone calls and emails during the month between drills to make sure everything is done and the battalion is ready to go.”

Cmdr. Craig Scharton, commanding officer of NMCB 28, presented Morales with his certificate during the ceremony.

"Although I have only known Morales for a short period of time, I was immediately impressed with his 'can-do' attitude and tireless devotion to duty. He exemplifies all the positive traits of a Seabee in his commitment, work ethic and generosity, and serves as a model example for his shipmates to strive to emulate," said Scharon

True to form, when asked how he felt about receiving the award, Morales uses the opportunity to complement others. “I do my best when I can to help our battalion, just as many more Seabees do. We all try to do whatever it takes for us to succeed as a whole.”

For related news, visit the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nmcb28/.