The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) announced its 2015 Instructors of the Year (IOY) for those in the junior, mid-grade and senior categories, Oct. 28.

Capt. Raymond Benedict, the Center's commanding officer, hailed all hands in congratulating Chief Gunner's Mate James Hoppa; Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Joseph Ponsor; and Builder 2nd Class Travis Klawonn on being named IOY in their respective categories.

"These three Sailors are the best of the best among our instructors across the CENSECFOR domain for 2015. They earned this through hard work and a continual display of impeccable military bearing, flawless training techniques, and professional excellence. I congratulate each of them and wish them the best of luck as they advance to represent CENSECFOR at the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) level," said Benedict.

The NETC Military Instructor of the Year Program is open to Sailors and Marines in the ranks of E-1 to E-9 who serve in NETC instructor billets. Candidates are nominated by their command for training delivery excellence during the course of the past year.

Asked what it means to be selected as Senior IOY Hoppa said, "Being selected instructor of the year means a great deal to me, as it proves the three-years at a challenging duty station paid off. It also acknowledges all the time and effort I put in to mentoring and preparing Sailors."

Hoppa serves as an instructor for crew-served weapons and small arms marksmanship courses of instruction at CENSECFOR Detachment San Diego. Ponsor and Klawonn both serve as instructors for the Navy's Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape course. Ponsor teaches in the wintry climate of Maine at CENSECFOR Detachment Kittery, and Klawonn teaches in the arid climate of southern California at CENSECFOR Detachment North Island.

"This means a great deal to me and I am honored to be CENSECFOR Instructor of the Year," shared Ponsor. "I put a lot of time and work into being the best instructor I can be and feel very lucky to have been selected considering the caliber of our instructor cadre."

"To me, earning CENSECFOR IOY means that I am doing my job correctly and that I am proficiently teaching Sailors the crucial information that can help save their lives," expressed Klawonn. "I am extremely proud to represent my command and moreover, I am proud to represent the Navy in such a good light."

Each individual was asked what advice they have for those seeking to earn the same recognition and honor they now hold being an IOY.

Hoppa replied, "The only way to become a great instructor is to get in front of a class and teach; it's the only way to hone your skills, and ask another instructor whom you believe is great at teaching to mentor you."

"The worst thing you can do is assume you know everything and stay stagnant with your instruction," offered Ponsor. "We can always improve our abilities and you should continue to find ways to be a better instructor and better yourself."

"Give your students everything you have, do not be afraid to admit you are wrong," said Klawonn. "The feeling of reaching your students and teaching them the skills they need to survive, operate weapons, or whatever you instruct is the main reward and getting IOY is an appreciated bonus."

All three men expressed their thankfulness to their chain-of-command and their fellow instructors noting the instrumental role each had in building them for success.

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year. It has 14 training locations across the United States and around the world where training breeds confidence.

For more information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at http://www.navy.mil/local/csf.

For more news from the Center for Security Forces, visit us at www.navy.mil.

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