The NHC Corpus Christi career development team proudly displayed the fiscal year 2017 (FY17) Retention Excellence Award pennant at morning colors April 19.

Capt. Miguel A. Cubano, NHC Corpus Christi commanding officer, applauded their commitment to retention.

"I think that your efforts and your dedication are one of the reasons why we retain [Sailors]," said Cubano. "And one of the things that is important is, if people want to stay it means that we are doing the right thing. It means that they feel not only they are a part of the team, but also that we are providing the opportunities for them to grow and to succeed. I think that's the key for winning this award."

NHC Corpus Christi has received this annual award two consecutive fiscal years.

Constant collaboration between command leadership and the dareer development team were essential in retention success, despite the command's career counselors not being officially rated as navy career counselors.

Before turning over career counselor duties to Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class David Butler in March, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class George Silva led the charge for the command to win both awards.

The Retention Excellence Award is given to commands which are effectively able to maintain outstanding retention and a marginal rate of attrition. To be eligible, commands must maintain a below five percent attrition rate for first-term Sailors, sustain superior levels of retention for each reenlistment zone and achieve a number of benchmarks emphasizing career readiness standards.

Furthermore, commands are required to pass the annual Career Information Program Review (CIPR) with a score of 90 points or better.

Under Silva's guidance both years, NHC Corpus Christi passed the CIPR with a score of 95 and 98 points, respectively.

Butler said he plans to work diligently for the fiscal year 2018 award because he promised Silva a higher score. And he is confident the command will achieve a top rating, because he credits inspirational leadership as one of the keys in high retention sustainability.

"Keeping folks in the Navy is more difficult now when compared to years before," said Butler. "Retention tools, like a pension for instance, seem to be diminishing. Ultimately, the key is Sailors want to work for chiefs and officers that are strong and effective. And luckily for the career development team, we have the type of leadership here in Corpus Christi worth emulating."

Besides leadership, a healthy command climate and quality mentorship figure in to higher retention numbers.

"It all starts with solid command sponsorship and indoctrination programs, which are augmented by the amazing team at the [Naval Air Station Corpus Christi] Fleet and Family Support Center," said Butler "Captain Cubano also plays an important role in the Career Development Program."

Butler added that although the commanding officer naturally supports Sailors that decide to separate, he remains focused on high morale and retention of talented Sailors.

Seventeen members comprise the command's Career Development Team: Hospital Corspman 1st Class Robert Adkins, Hospital Corspman 1st Class Raul Cervantes, Hospital Corspman 1st Class Robyn Eastwood, Hospital Corspman 1st Class Robert Lozano, Hospital Corspman 1st Class George Silva, Hospital Corspman 1st Class Channing Smith, Hospital Corspman 1st Class Toan Tran, Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Misty Banks, Hospital Corspman 2nd Class David Butler, Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Alanna Gonzalez, Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Matthew Hart, Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Wilbert Kindle, Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Ryan Neuendorff, Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Florentino Ramirez, Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Ngasechele Ruluked, Hospital Corspman 2nd Class Adam Sanchez, and Hospital Corspman 3rd Class Mercedes Macintosh.

NHC Corpus Christi and Naval Branch Health Clinics Kingsville and Fort Worth provide ambulatory care services to more than 13,000 enrolled beneficiaries comprised of military active duty, their family members, retirees and their family members in south Texas and Dallas/Fort Worth. In addition, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi San Antonio Det. provides primary care services to Navy students at the Medical Education & Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston, and case management services and medical board management to Navy and Marine Corps Wounded, Ill and Injured Warriors at San Antonio Military Medical Center.

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