A Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU), North Island Sailor and his wife were recognized by the Coronado Chamber of Commerce with the Vice Adm. James and Sybil Stockdale Community Service Award March 28.

Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Johnathan Stone and his wife Sarah were honored during the 2015 Coronado "Salute to the Military" Ball, held at the historic Hotel Del Coronado.
The award was presented to the Stones in acknowledgment of their service and dedication to the San Diego community and the Navy.

Devoting more than 1,375 hours between 15 separate community groups and organizations, the Stones were praised for demonstrating the highest degree of professional and personal excellence with total dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

"Thank you to my chain of command for nominating us and the Coronado Chamber of Commerce for choosing us," said Stone. "My wife and I felt like we were in a fairytale. It's not often that the spouse of the military member is recognized for the hard work they do. I can be 100 percent honest saying that I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my remarkable wife."

Cmdr. Tom Gibbons, CNATTU North Island commanding officer, said that the Stones have earned the respect and admiration of everyone in the schoolhouse and are standout members of the community.

"They make service to others a family affair and are truly remarkable examples for us all to follow," said Gibbons. "Petty Officer Stone is a model Sailor who was also selected as the 2014 CNATTU North Island Sailor of the Year. He, his wife Sarah, and their four amazing children all truly stand out as inspirations."

According to the chamber, the Vice Adm. James and Sybil Stockdale Community Service Award is awarded annually to the military couple who best exemplifies selfless service and dedication to the community, the military, and the country. The award is intended to recognize those who embody the ideals, compassion, service, and personal involvement that Vice Adm. and Mrs. Stockdale demonstrated for their fellow man and community.

Admiral Stockdale was a beacon of courage, hope and leadership encompassing the highest sense of personal honor and self-sacrifice, paralleled by the support of his wife, whose persistent efforts provided significant assistance and support to military families and the community at large.

Stone's supervisor, Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Christopher Shelton echoed that the Stones were more than deserving of their recognition.

"Petty Officer Stone and his family do so much for everyone else, they are giving and wonderful people," said Shelton. "They make us very proud and honored to be a part of their lives."

CNATT is the largest learning center under the Naval Education and Training Command and is accredited by the Council on Education. Its mission is to develop, deliver, and support the aviation technical training necessary to meet validated fleet requirements through a continuum of professional and personal growth for Sailors and Marines. In the CNATT enterprise, there are 17 subordinate commands across 27 locations around the world, including CNATTU North Island.

For more information on CNATT, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cnatt/ or follow CNATT on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CNATT.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.