VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Valerie Cheryedward, a native of Castries, St. Lucia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
Cheryedward graduated from Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School in 2005.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Castries.
“I brought my work ethic with me into the military,” said Cheryedward. "Work hard, help those you can bring along with you, and never forget where you came from."
Cheryedward joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Cheryedward serves as a culinary specialist.
“Initially, I was looking for a change in my life,” said Cheryedward. "I was also looking for an opportunity to travel, and I knew the Navy offered the best opportunity to do that."
According to Navy officials, JEB Little Creek-Fort Story is the country’s premier installation for housing and training the nation’s expeditionary forces. It is one command with two properties: JEB Fort Story and JEB Little Creek. The JEB is comprised of the former Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and the Army Post of Fort Story. Fort Story witnessed the humble beginnings of the nation at the 1607 first landing site. Little Creek began as a dynamic training ground for World War II amphibious forces.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Cheryedward serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day," said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. "Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs."
Cheryedward has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was able to make rank pretty quick,” said Cheryedward. "I had great mentors who believed in me, and I never lost sight of my 'why.' Those mentors recognized that and continued to push me along that path."
Cheryedward can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy gives you an opportunity to work in positions above your pay grade,” said Cheryedward. "My leaders put me in positions where I didn't even know that I could succeed."
Cheryedward is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank all my family back home,” added Cheryedward. "They're a big part of how I was raised and the person I am today."