by
Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
(PORTSMOUTH,
Va.) - A 2008 Lakeland High School graduate and and Suffolk, Virginia
native, recently received the outstanding apprentice award from
the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Apprentice Program.
NNSY congratulated 180 graduates from its program. The graduates,
represent 25 trades across the shipyard, and successfully completed a four-year
training program, which includes academics, trade theory and on-the-job
experience. Upon graduation, the apprentices received a Technician Career
Studies Certificate and were converted to the journeymen level of their
trade.
Epperson said being selected as Apprentice of the Quarter, Apprentice of
the Year and most outstanding apprentice for graduating six months early, has
been his proudest accomplishments thus far.
"These awards meant the most to me because they show how hard
I have worked over the last 4 years in the apprenticeship, and they remind me
of so many things I have learned in my trade," said Epperson. "I am
so grateful for being held accountable for the things I have accomplished with
in the NNSY Apprenticeship."
After graduating, Epperson was immediately hired as pipe-fitter supervisor, where
he is responsible for insuring that all piping systems on the naval war vessels
are installed on time, within schedule, and with first time quality. He is also
responsible for the overall safety of his co-workers.
Epperson has carried lessons learned from his hometown into working for the
Department of Defense.
"The biggest
lessons I have carried with me are being a compassionate, respectful and competent
hard worker," said Epperson.
Epperson is honored to
have a family member who has previously served in the DOD.
My father worked in DOD for 34 of those 34 years he was a ship fitter 11 years
and structural inspector for 23 years.
Currently, he has two
family members, his mother and wife, working with the DOD.
For two years, his
mother has worked as a certified locksmith and his wife, has worked for five
years as a Nuclear Engineer.
Working with the DOD,
has provided Epperson with opportunities that continue to develop essential
traits needed for success both professionally and personally.
“What I
enjoy most about working with the DOD is that it gives me the opportunity to
both serve my country to the best of my abilities, and repair our naval war
vessels to get them back to sea to protect our families and our nation.”