VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Cmdr. Jon Settlemoir, a native of Piggott, Arkansas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
Settlemoir graduated from Piggott High School in 1984.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Piggot.
“I learned growing up the importance of community and family,” said Settlemoir. “Those lessons have served me well in the Navy.”
Settlemoir originally joined the Army in 1988 and served for three years as a signal intelligence specialist. After getting out of the Army, Settlemoir joined the Navy and has served as a chaplain for 19 years.
“I joined the Army initially to broaden my horizons and finish school,” said Settlemoir. "I later joined the Navy because I saw the need for ministers to help military families deal with the difficult challenges they face. After 9/11, the seed was planted that this might be something I wanted to do, and five years later, I was commissioned as a Navy chaplain.
According to Navy officials, Joint Expeditionary Base 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: Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story and JEB Little Creek. The Joint Expeditionary Base 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.
Settlemoir 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."
Settlemoir has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of serving aboard USS Carl Vinson, which was the first aircraft carrier to pull into Vietnam since the end of the war,” said Settlemoir. "We were able to do some humanitarian missions with children whose parents had been exposed to Agent Orange. It was very touching and rewarding at the same time."
Settlemoir can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is an incredible opportunity to combine several areas that I'm passionate about,” said Settlemoir. "First, is my love for the ministry which allows me to help people who are seeking to find or strengthen their relationship with God. The love that I have for this country is another experience that makes it an honor to serve."
Settlemoir is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to send a shoutout to my kids, Joshua, Jenevieve, Justin and Joel,” added Settlemoir. "I also want to send a special thank you to my wife, Janice. We just celebrated our 31st anniversary. I'm grateful for her constant support and love. She took care of our family when I had to be away.”