by Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. - Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Figueroa, a Newport News, Virginia, native, recently received the Sailor of the Year Award serving at Commander, Navy Region Atlantic (CNRMA) in Norfolk, Virginia.
When asked what does receiving this award mean to him, Figueroa said, "It's an honor to be selected as CNRMA Sailor of the Year. Being rewarded for the work that I do, gives me such additional motivation and drive. This is a huge goal accomplished for me, and look forward to build upon this."
Figueroa, currently serving for 14 years, is a religious program specialist and leading petty officer for his division at CNRMA.
A religious program specialist is responsible for assisting naval chaplains in their duties as well as providing support to naval chaplains in developing programs to meet the needs of U.S. Navy sailors, U.S. Marines, and their families.
CNRMA is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 14 installations, and 50 Naval Operational Support Centers (NOSCs). CNRMA provides coordination of base operating support functions for operating forces throughout the region in support of the Fleet, Fighter and Family. They ensure each installation's ability to facilitate the manning, training and equipping of the Navy's fighting force.