Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC), Colorado announced the selection of Petty Officer 1st Class Toby Gallt as Senior Sailor of the Year (SOY), Petty Officer 2nd Class David Zumwalt as Junior SOY, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Mariah Rangel as Blue Jacket SOY, Oct. 13.

"Being nominated for Sailor of the Year by your peers is an absolute honor," said Master Chief Petty Officer Thormod Forseth, command master chief, NIOC Colorado. "All of the Sailors' hard work throughout the year is reviewed by their peers, and the top Sailor is selected out of an outstanding group of people."

Forseth went on to explain the future responsibility of each winner.

"When your hard work culminates in the selection as the Sailor of the Year, you become the example for junior Sailors to emulate," said Forseth.

Gallt commended his Sailors for their commitment and motivation to be successful in their fields.

"When you work with hard-charging Sailors, it makes it easier to do my job as a leading petty officer because I can avoid distractions and have more time to recognize my Sailors," said Gallt. "My goal moving forward is to help mentor others, so the next Sailor of the Year will have the tools they need to succeed and help their Sailors achieve much more than I ever was able to accomplish, improving upon experiences and failures."

Rangel praised leadership up and down the chain of command for assisting on her journey.

"It means a lot for the chain of command to recognize me and believe enough in my effort to nominate me," she said.

"No matter your situation in life, you can show up to work and excel," said Rangel. "I have a family at home with a newborn baby, and I wasn't forced to choose the Navy over my family to succeed."

All of the winners will now go on to the next level of competition at their respective geographical locations.
The Navy's SOY program was initially established in 1972 and modified throughout the years to include the Navy Enlisted Reservist of the Year (inactive). The program recognizes one Sailor from each command who demonstrates sustained superior performance, proven leadership, outstanding professionalism, and dedication to self-improvement.

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