NORFOLK, Va. - Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Kirsten Plasters, a 2012 Milan High School graduate and native of Milan, Michigan, was named Junior Sailor of the Year serving at Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) for her work ethic and success to the rising demand for quality sailors looking to stand out and take on leadership roles.
"It's a very humbling experience knowing that I was picked for this honor amongst my peers and it solidifies the trust my leadership has put in me," Plasters said. "More importantly, it justifies the hard work and dedication of my sailors and our ability to run through every obstacle put in front of us."
Plasters, who has four years of naval service, is the Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff (CoS) and Command Master Chief (CMC) at CNRMA responsible for managing the CoS and CMC’s daily schedules. She coordinated with senior military and civilian staff from 14 installations to support the CoS and CMC in executing flag-level tasking’s. Plasters has processed more than 400 pieces of correspondence through the CMC and CoS for review/approval, and forwarded on to the appropriate staff for further processing or completion.
Additionally, she expertly coordinated and assembled daily read-ahead binders for CoS and CMC, allowing them to be better prepared for the following day’s events. Plasters has logged more than 450 hours in USMAPS towards Computer Operator certification and volunteered 15 hours with American Red Cross. Moreover, she earned an Associates of Science degree in Applied Science from Tidewater Community College in 2019.
"I enjoy taking care of the sailors and being the one they count on to square away their personnel records and other administrative matters," Plasters said.
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).
As the naval shore installation management headquarters for the Mid-Atlantic region, CNRMA provides coordination of base operating support functions for operating forces throughout the region in support of the Fleet, Fighter and Family.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Plasters is part of a legacy that will last beyond a lifetime providing the Navy the nation needs.
"The Navy has had a tremendous effect on my life," Plasters said. "I’ve made friends that have become like family. It’s strengthened my work ethic and it’s taught me to be a leader which I can pass on to my junior sailors."
Plasters' husband, Blane Kottke, 25, and son, Chad Kottke, 2, both reside in Petersburg, Michigan.
Her mother, Frankie Plasters, 48, and sister, Ashlynn Griffin, 23, live in Milan, Michigan.
Additionally, she expertly coordinated and assembled daily read-ahead binders for CoS and CMC, allowing them to be better prepared for the following day’s events. Plasters has logged more than 450 hours in USMAPS towards Computer Operator certification and volunteered 15 hours with American Red Cross. Moreover, she earned an Associates of Science degree in Applied Science from Tidewater Community College in 2019.
"I enjoy taking care of the sailors and being the one they count on to square away their personnel records and other administrative matters," Plasters said.
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).
As the naval shore installation management headquarters for the Mid-Atlantic region, CNRMA provides coordination of base operating support functions for operating forces throughout the region in support of the Fleet, Fighter and Family.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Plasters is part of a legacy that will last beyond a lifetime providing the Navy the nation needs.
"The Navy has had a tremendous effect on my life," Plasters said. "I’ve made friends that have become like family. It’s strengthened my work ethic and it’s taught me to be a leader which I can pass on to my junior sailors."
Her mother, Frankie Plasters, 48, and sister, Ashlynn Griffin, 23, live in Milan, Michigan.