A Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Keesler instructor was recognized by Biloxi, Mississippi Mayor Andrew Gilich, April 28, at the Biloxi Civic Center as the Distinguished Volunteer of the Year (Military).

CNATTU Keesler Instructor Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW/SW) Kenton Kershaw received the award during the ceremony, after being nominated for his work with the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence.

Kershaw, an Electronics Calibration and Maintenance Course instructor, also serves as CNATTU Keesler's volunteer coordinator, and said that volunteering in the community in which he has lived is something he feels strongly about.

"Being in the military, we are typically at a location for a short period of time and volunteering gives me an opportunity to meet new people in the community and also help with a worthy cause," said Kershaw. "This tour gave me an opportunity to help out the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence, and knowing that I was able to make a difference to just one person, or even two, gives me hope that others may do the same. Being recognized by the city is an honor and I just hope that others may follow suit and help give back to their community."

Another CNATTU Keesler Distinguished Volunteer of the Year (Military) nominee, Aerographer's Mate 1st Class (AW) Jesus Navarro, a CNATTU Keesler Meteorology and Oceanography instructor, was nominated by Habitat for Humanity, an organization for whom he has coordinated and participated in numerous events, often with CNATTU Keesler students.

"Just as physical training strengthens the body, I believe that giving back to the community strengthens the soul," said Navarro. "By showing students the bigger picture and the difference that they can make in another person's life, volunteering for worthwhile causes can put things into perspective."

Throughout the past year, CNATTU Keesler Sailors dedicated more than 5,000 hours of community service in the Biloxi area. For the second year in a row, the command was the winner of the Navy's Drug Free Flagship Award for medium shore units, one of six flagship programs within the Navy recognizing Sailors and Marines who volunteer and make a difference by strengthening education, promoting health and fitness, providing humanitarian assistance, preserving the environment and promoting anti-drug lifestyles.

CNATTU Keesler trains service members in the electronic calibration of afloat and aviation equipment, meteorological and oceanographic observing and forecasting and the maintenance and repair of meteorological equipment.

CNATTU Keesler is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. CNATT develops, delivers, and supports aviation technical training at 27 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan.

CNATT is a technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost, and is the largest training center under Naval Education and Training Command.

For more news from Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, visit http://www.navy.mil/.