Senior Chief Petty Officer Benny Flores is the U.S. Navy's recipient of the 2016 Jewish Institute for National Security Award (JINSA).

Flores is assigned to Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, North Carolina, as a hospital corpsman and is currently serving as the senior enlisted leader, Directorate for Administration.

JINSA, a nonpartisan organization founded in 1976, advocates on behalf of a strong U.S. military, a robust national security policy, and a strong U.S. security relationship with Israel and other like-minded allies. The Grateful Nation Award, established in 2003, is presented annually to six service members recognized for having distinguished themselves through superior conduct in the war on terrorism. Honorees are chosen by their respective service and come from the enlisted, noncommissioned officer, and junior officer ranks.

"This phenomenal senior chief petty officer clearly exemplifies the criteria for the 2016 JINSA award," said NHCCP Commanding Officer Capt. Angela S. Nimmo. "While his service on the front lines of the war on terrorism is well documented, he has similarly excelled in academics and community outreach, as well."

"This is an honor that completely took me by surprise," said Flores. "I don't think anyone comes into the military looking for honor and glory. I just try to do my job and lead my Sailors to the best of my abilities. I also know there are many other Sailors in the fleet doing amazing things every day who also deserve this award, and I was proud to represent all of them and the Navy at the award ceremony."

Flores, originally from Guam, enlisted in the Navy in 2001 and has deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and I Marine Expeditionary Force, in addition to an Overseas Contingency Operations Support assignment to Kuwait.

In March 2013, Flores was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions during a peacekeeping mission in the city of Zaranj -- a city bordering the countries of Afghanistan and Iran. As the hospital corpsman assigned to the Nimroz Provincial Coordination Team, he was in a four-vehicle convoy returning from the Zaranj Customs House when a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device which struck his vehicle. Receiving shrapnel wounds and second-degree burns to his left arm and back, he jumped into action assessing casualties and providing first aid, at which time his team came under enemy fire. Disregarding his personal safety, he moved across enemy fire to treat and assess casualties.

Flores also is a driving force at NHCCP when it comes to giving back to and improving the local community.

"Among his many contributions here at NHCCP, he was instrumental in the command adopting Brinson Memorial Elementary School," said Master Chief Petty Officer Nathan Whiddon, NHCCP command master chief. "He also serves as the co-chair of the command's Diversity Committee (which he established after writing the instruction), and his inspirational leadership has set a new standard for recognizing and celebrating the Navy's Diversity Strategic Framework."

"I would like to thank Captain Nimmo, our Executive Officer Captain Nadjii Hariri, Master Chief Whiddon, Director for Administration Commander Daniel Kachenchai, and the JINSA Board for their consideration of this prestigious nomination," Flores said.

"Of course, I wouldn't be the Sailor I am without the support of my family, they equally deserve this honor," Flores continued. "I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to Captain Jason Bowers, USMC; Captain Gabe Sganga, USMC; Major Andrew Kingsbury USMC; and the Marines who were with me on April 28, 2012. It was these Marines, my brothers, who I owe my life. And I want to give special recognition to Lydia Hobson, mother of Master Sgt. Scott Pruitt, USMC, who we lost on April 28, 2012. She is most deserving of the recognition of the Grateful Nation Award, as all Americans should be grateful for the service her son gave to this country and the fight for freedom."

Named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient, Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class William D. Halyburton, Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point provides high-quality patient care to more than 33,000 active-duty members and Department of Defense patients. In addition to out-patient surgical services, NHCCP offers Medical Home Port -- including family care and pediatrics -- Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Mental Health, Pharmacy services, Preventive Medicine, Aviation Medicine, and Radiology to include MRIs.

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