Name: Jasmyn Phinizy
High School (year graduated): Lorain Admiral King High School (2008)
Rank: Chief Petty Officer
Rating (Job): Yeoman
Years in Navy: 15
Current Duty Location: Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Jacksonville, Florida
Reason for joining the Navy: Family history of military service. "My grandfather, uncles, cousins and myself, have all served across different branches of service," said Phinizy. "I knew that I wanted to serve from a young age, I just hadn't chosen my branch of service until I joined the NRTOC program at Admiral King High School. My gunnery sergeant had a major in influence on me joining and loving my service in the Navy. For that, I am forever thankful."
Favorite part of job: "I love being able to offer solutions to sailors and seeing the "fruits of my team" and labor pay off," said Phinizy. "By the time an issue gets to my level, the sailors are frustrated and they are looking for someone with a high level of expertise to assist. I enjoy seeing the sailors and speaking with them and letting them know someone cares about their issues. Even if I don't have answers for them, having a network of chief petty officers around the world ready to assist at a moment's notice helps."
Lessons learned from hometown: "Coming from a blue-collar city, I've learned that hard work and dedication are the only ways to succeed in life," said Phinizy. "No one will just hand you things because you want them or deserve them. You have to keep pushing and bringing those that need your assistance up with you. There is no room for gatekeepers, bless others around you and those blessings with return tenfold."
Proudest accomplishment since serving in the Navy: Making chief petty officer. "There are so many accomplishments that I am proud of," said Phinizy. "Being named Sailor of the Year was an amazing experience and for that, I will forever be grateful, but there is nothing like donning the Chief cover for the first time."
Service in the Navy: "The Navy saved my life," said Phinizy. "I know that many who serve say that, but I truly mean it. The Navy gave me my family. It gave me structure and it gave me something to be proud of."
Shout out: "I would like to thank all those who helped me, cared for me and never let me fall too far," added Phinizy. "Most importantly, I would like to thank my amazing husband and personal chief, YNC(EXW/AW) Joseph Phinizy, and my two beautiful girls, Melanie and Ariana. Mommy loves you. As I always say, "If you take care of your sailors, they will take care of you."'
Rank: Chief Petty Officer
Rating (Job): Yeoman
Years in Navy: 15
Current Duty Location: Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Jacksonville, Florida
Reason for joining the Navy: Family history of military service. "My grandfather, uncles, cousins and myself, have all served across different branches of service," said Phinizy. "I knew that I wanted to serve from a young age, I just hadn't chosen my branch of service until I joined the NRTOC program at Admiral King High School. My gunnery sergeant had a major in influence on me joining and loving my service in the Navy. For that, I am forever thankful."
Favorite part of job: "I love being able to offer solutions to sailors and seeing the "fruits of my team" and labor pay off," said Phinizy. "By the time an issue gets to my level, the sailors are frustrated and they are looking for someone with a high level of expertise to assist. I enjoy seeing the sailors and speaking with them and letting them know someone cares about their issues. Even if I don't have answers for them, having a network of chief petty officers around the world ready to assist at a moment's notice helps."
Lessons learned from hometown: "Coming from a blue-collar city, I've learned that hard work and dedication are the only ways to succeed in life," said Phinizy. "No one will just hand you things because you want them or deserve them. You have to keep pushing and bringing those that need your assistance up with you. There is no room for gatekeepers, bless others around you and those blessings with return tenfold."
Proudest accomplishment since serving in the Navy: Making chief petty officer. "There are so many accomplishments that I am proud of," said Phinizy. "Being named Sailor of the Year was an amazing experience and for that, I will forever be grateful, but there is nothing like donning the Chief cover for the first time."
Service in the Navy: "The Navy saved my life," said Phinizy. "I know that many who serve say that, but I truly mean it. The Navy gave me my family. It gave me structure and it gave me something to be proud of."
Shout out: "I would like to thank all those who helped me, cared for me and never let me fall too far," added Phinizy. "Most importantly, I would like to thank my amazing husband and personal chief, YNC(EXW/AW) Joseph Phinizy, and my two beautiful girls, Melanie and Ariana. Mommy loves you. As I always say, "If you take care of your sailors, they will take care of you."'