A Munford High School graduate turned U.S. Navy Sailor was recently named
the 2019 Sailor of the Year for Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi, Texas.
Navy Counselor 2nd Class David Butler graduated from Munford High School in
2008 and enlisted in the Navy in 2010 as a Hospital Corspman.
Following tours at Naval Health Clinic New England in Rhode Island and Field
Medical Training Battalion, Camp Johnson, North Carolina, Butler reported
for duty at Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi in 2016, where he was
assigned to the Flight Medicine Department.
During his tour at NHC Corpus Christi, Butler was selected to serve as the
command’s collateral duty command career counselor. Butler enjoyed the job
of helping Sailors to reach their career goals so much that he requested to
be redesignated as a Navy Counselor.
Butler was selected as the command’s 2019 Sailor of the year from more than
250 active duty Sailors.
NHC Corpus Christi Commanding Officer, Capt. Eric Evans made the
announcement in a written message to the command.
“Please join me in congratulating our 2019 Sailor of the Year,” Evans said.
“Just being nominated demonstrates these Sailor’s hard work, dedication, and
appreciation of their chain of command. Keep up the good work!”
As the command career counselor, Butler says helping Sailors succeed is the
most rewarding part of his job.
“I get to know Sailors as individuals. I learn what their personal and
professional goals are, and eventually, I see them reach their goals which
is a great feeling,” Butler said. “When I retire from the Navy, I want
Sailors to say that I cared about every Sailor in my command and to say that
I lead my Sailors with conviction.”
Selection criteria Sailor of the Year is based upon exemplary performance of
tasks, contributions that enhanced organization accomplishment of command
objectives, mission, teamwork or public image, and one’s professional
attitude toward self and others.
The Sailor of the Year program was established in 1972 by the Chief of Naval
Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John
Whittet to recognize an individual Sailor who best represented the
ever-growing group of dedicated professional Sailors at each command and
ultimately the Navy.
Each year, every Navy ship, station and command around the world chooses its
Sailor of the Year based on leadership, professionalism dedication, and
superior performance.
Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi and its Naval Branch Health Clinics
located in Kingsville and Fort Worth provide ambulatory care services to
more than 13,000 enrolled patients comprised of military active duty, their
family members, retirees and their family members in South Texas and
Dallas/Fort Worth. In addition, the command’s San Antonio Detachment
provides primary care services to our Navy students at the Medical Education
and Training Campus, Fort Sam Houston, and case management services and
medical board management to our Navy and Marine Corps Wounded, Ill and
Injured Warriors at San Antonio Military Medical Center.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
