The nation's ability to sustain naval superiority, in large part, depends on Navy recruiters' ability to consistently bring the most qualified individuals into the Navy. For recruiters, the Navy's never ending recruiting mission can be stressful, especially during the holidays.

Navy Recruiting District Raleigh was recently awarded the Fiscal Year 2016 Commander, Navy recruiting Region East Silver "R" Award for excellence in recruiting. The hard work and sustained dedication of NRD Raleigh recruiters is what made the command deserving of the award. As members of NRD Raleigh continue working hard to achieve recruiting goals during the holiday season, the command ensures that high levels of morale are maintained.

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, appreciation and sharing the things that make each of us feel good. However, for some recruiters, the holidays can cause feelings of loneliness and stress in addition to the normal stress related to mission challenges.

So, each November and December, with the help of Navy Morale Wellness and Recreation (MWR), NRD Raleigh recruiters take time out of their busy schedules to celebrate the holidays and each other.

"Recruiting can be a challenging job, says Commander Chris Dickerson, NRD Raleigh commander. "Celebrating the holiday season is a big morale boost. Some of the sailors here at NRD Raleigh are serving far away from their families. Having MWR events helps fill the gap that loneliness can create during the holidays."

NRD Raleigh hosts various holiday events for its members, such as potlucks, holiday decorating competitions and a white elephant gift exchange.

"We do these events, because I believe it helps us think of each other as people and not just our titles. It interjects a bit of fun into the workload and helps break the monotony of the daily grind."

In addition to command holiday activities, most recruiters at NRD Raleigh are able to take time off of work to spend quality time with their greatest support system, their families. For recruiters who are unable to be with their families for the holidays, their shipmates come together to act as a surrogate family.

"The Navy truly is a second family to me. Celebrating Christmas with my second family is just as important as celebrating with my personal family," said Commander Dickerson.

At NRD Raleigh, comradery during the holidays keeps morale high, and thus helps the command to achieve its recruiting goals with the same efficiency that it has throughout other parts of the year.

"Everyone has a hand in keeping morale high this time of year. It doesn't take much. Reach out to sailors who are alone. Call them. Invite your shipmate to dinner. It means a lot."



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