By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Preston Jarrett
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| Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Preston Jarrett |
Stewart, from Grand Junction, Tennessee, said that he is proud to have received the award.
“It feels good, being able to compete with amazing Sailors at this command and come out on top,” said Stewart. “I’m very happy about it.”
He said that his love for competition is what keeps him striving to do his best.
“Any time I feel like there’s a challenge, I just jump right into it,” said Stewart. “I feel like everybody should strive to do better. If you see a wall, why not climb over it just to see what’s on the other side? Any challenge I face, I just want to see what’s on the other side of it.”
Being ALPO of the chapel, Stewart is required to tackle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
“My responsibilities here include filling the roles as alternate custodian and facilities manager,” said Stewart. “It’s accounting for the chapel, making sure events are set up properly, making sure that the tenant commands have the freedom to have a place to come and worship. Those are some of the roles that I fill.”
From Feb. to May 2021, Stewart underwent a working trip to Jacksonville, Florida, where he aided the vaccination team and led multiple Sailors in fulfilling their duties.
“The experience was amazing,” said Stewart. “There were only a few second-classes there, but there were a lot of third-classes and seamen, so it was actually a great opportunity to be able to mentor younger Sailors and to be able to fill a big leading role. We worked just about every day, 12 hours on, but I loved it. Being able to inspire Sailors is something I love being a part of. I love being a mentor, and I love giving out knowledge, especially when it can help them improve.”
Even during his time there, he was required to take on multiple roles and obligations.
“We filled roles as admin, security, escorts, the people holding the scanners, as well as safety,” said Stewart. “There was a lot for us over there. Each of the second classes got to move around and fulfill leadership roles in each of those areas, so I did a little bit of everything.”
Stewart also took the opportunity to create workout regimens for the Sailors, and he said that fitness is one of his main passions.
“On the days we had off, I’d always send it on the group chat so everybody could maintain their fitness standards,” said Stewart. “That’s one of the things I love about the military the most, being able to work out together. Fitness is something I love. I do it every day. I love the challenge. When I reach a new goal, or a new max, when I decrease my time on a run, everything about it just challenges me.”
Outside of work, Stewart also enjoys volunteering and spending time with his family nearby.
“I get to see my family a lot,” said Stewart. “When COVID wasn’t happening, I was volunteering at schools for their mentorship programs. Anything that can push me, or anything that gives back to the people, there’s just something about it that makes me want to do it.”
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Stewart also recognizes the people who’ve helped him along the way.
“I’d like to thank my LPO (leading petty officer),” said Stewart. “No matter how many times I mess up, he always encourages me. My chaplain is always motivating me and telling me how I can do better. He’s been amazing to me. Ms. Torres, our civilian. She’s been like a mother to me, and one last person I’d like to thank is my previous Chief. Since I came here, he’s been pushing me to do better.”