A Carolltown, Pennsylvania, native says serving her country as a reservist gives her more flexibility to also support her family.

Linda Meyer, an administrative assistant and Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) federal civil servant, left the active duty Navy ranks in 2006, but continued her service as a reservist. Today, she is a Yeoman First Class Petty Officer.

"While I was active duty, I served as an enlisted Interior Communications Electrician," she said. "When I returned to the reserves, that rate was closed (over-manned) so I came back in as a yeoman."

She served on active duty between 1983 and 1993, served one tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), onboard USS Yellowstone (AD-41), served at Tactical Training Group Dam Neck, Virginia and with Naval Security Forces, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

She joined the U.S. Navy reserves simply because she missed serving her country in uniform.

"I missed my time on active duty. I wanted to do more for my children and liked the idea of one weekend a month and only two weeks a year," said Meyer. "I get to continue to serve my country, and I am able to help mold our younger generation to appreciate those who have gone before us."

Among Meyer's many military awards stand two more recent ones - 2012 and 2014 Sailor of the Year, Navy Operational Support Center Tallahassee, Florida.

As a reservist, Meyer drills out of the Naval Operation Support Center (NOSC) located in Tallahassee, Florida with the Surge Maintenance (SURGEMAIN) Unit, which is a Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) command. NSWC PCD is also a NAVSEA command. SURGEMAIN units employ reservists with civilian skills in production trades, such as welders, or pipefitters or officers with engineering or science-based degrees.

"Being a Naval Reservist has helped me become a better person and has opened so many doors for me," said Meyer.


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