WASHINGTON, D.C. - A native of Wrightstown, Pennsylvania, is currently stationed in the nation’s capital serving with U.S. Naval District Washington.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Navy civilian Leigh Brownell attended Council Rock North High School and graduated in 2012. Today, Brownell uses skills and values similar to those learned in Wrightstown.
“I learned the importance of recognizing people where they are,” said Brownell. "I grew up in an area with a lot of economic diversity. I carried that with me into the financial management part of my career. When you look at someone, it's less about where they come from and more about how they are educated about finances."
These lessons continue to help Brownell while serving in the military.
With the nation’s capital at its heart, the region encompasses more than 4,000 square miles, including the District of Columbia; the Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince Georges, St. Mary’s, The City of Baltimore and Bloodsworth Island; and Virginia counties of Arlington, Caroline, Fairfax, Fauquier, King George, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland.
Naval District Washington is the regional provider of common operating support to naval installations within a 100-mile radius of the Pentagon. Services provided include public affairs, public works, public safety, community support, human resources, information technology, morale, welfare and recreation, supply, air and port operations, ceremonial support and environmental and safety.
Serving in the Navy means Brownell is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy gives people opportunities to advance their lives,” said Brownell. "I train service members how to become financial management specialists. This is all available for free, and that's not true as a civilian. Basically, anything that can make service members and their families lives better are available through our programs."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Brownell and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of the number of service members I've trained to be command financial specialists,” said Brownell. "So far, I've trained more than 100 service members how to teach others about managing their money."
As Brownell and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving as a Navy government civilian offers a great opportunity to support our military members and their families,” added Brownell.