"Work is either drudgery or fun. It depends on your attitude; I like fun." Colleen C. Barrett, president emeritus of Southwest Airlines said.

Cmdr. Kerri Yarbrough, the supply officer (SUPPO) aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) joined the Navy in 1997 with one goal in mind, have fun. Coming from a military family, she knew serving her country was something she wanted to do.

Throughout her years of service, Yarbrough has continually created a fun work environment while uplifting and mentoring Sailors.

"SUPPO (supply officer) always finds a way to make work fun," said Lt. j.g. LaTonya Felton, the supply maintenance officer aboard George Washington. "A lot of times she'll turn our meetings into mealtime bonding sessions. It really creates a familial environment."

While Yarbrough creates a fun atmosphere, she depends on her team to help her be the best leader possible.

"I would not be here today if it weren't for the amazing group of professionals I've had the opportunity to work with," said Yarbrough. "That's those above me, and those who have worked for me. Day-to-day in my current role, from my PAs (principle assistants) to my master chiefs, all the way down to the most junior Sailors, they're always finding a way to get to 'yes.' By doing this, they support our customers and support me, which makes me want to continue to challenge them a little bit more, and continue to give back to them."

As a leader, Yarbrough likes to maintain an open line of communication to discuss future goals and ambitions.

"Fostering an environment where it's an open-door policy is one way I support my Sailors," said Yarbrough. "I become very engaged in what their goals are, and help them obtain those goals in any way I can, whether that means picking up the phone to call the detailer, writing a letter of recommendation or helping them put together their officer package to pursue a commissioning program. If they are working toward obtaining various qualifications, I support them by giving them the time they need to prepare."

Yeoman 3rd Class Joshua Hill, SUPPO's administrative assistant, was shown first-hand just how much Yarbrough cares about her Sailors' goals.

"The first time I stood my Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) board, I failed," said Hill. "I saw SUPPO when I entered the office. She proceeded to ask me how my board went, and I told her the disheartening news. She stopped in her tracks, closed the door and began to have a heart-to-heart conversation with me. She could see how disappointed and close to giving up I was. During our talk, she told me about times in her journey to success that she didn't succeed on the first try. It was so inspiring to have someone of her stature encouraging me to get my ESWS pin. I'm glad she pushed me because now I have it."

Through a hands-on style of mentorship, Yarbrough is able to connect with her Sailors on a more personal level.

"Whether you want her as a mentor or not, you have her," said Felton about Yarbrough. "Once a month, she sends out a calendar invite to the monthly mentorship meeting. During the meeting, she takes time to discuss things like orders, supply corps and moving up to the next level. She's always willing to stay after hours to discuss various topics whether it pertains to your professional or personal life. Some officers from other departments said they wish they had the same mentorship in their chain of command."

In addition to providing guidance on career goals, Yarbrough also shares words of encouragement because she understands Sailors will encounter challenges during their career.

"As a former runner, I always told myself to run through the tape," said Yarbrough. "In order for Sailors to overcome the challenges they may be faced with, I encourage them that in whatever they're doing, make it all the way to the finish line and never give up. Try hard to look beyond what's in front of you and focus on the end state."

There are three things Yarbrough wants Sailors to takeaway during their career. She refers to these three things as her mantra.

They are:
Have fun.
Be a life-long learner.
Get to yes in a legal, ethical and accountable way.

Yarbrough continues to have fun each day. After approximately 20 years of service, she continues to take each year day-by-day and tour-by-tour. As long as she's having fun, she will continue to serve, inspire and mentor others.

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