PORTSMOUTH, Va. – Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Nallie, a native of Columbus, Ohio, helps medical forces meet readiness, training, and operational requirements across a spectrum of military operations while serving with Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL) at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth military treatment facility. Serving military members and their families since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is the U. S. Navy's oldest, continuously operating hospital.
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Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Terah Bryant, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Nallie joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Nallie serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy to find a purpose in life,” said Nallie. "I definitely found that. I know now my purpose is to help people and the best way to do that is to continue to stay in the Navy."
Growing up in Columbus, Nallie attended Eastmoor Academy High School and graduated in 2010.
Skills and values similar to those found in Columbus are important to succeed in the military.
“Back home I learned that I'm not perfect, but it doesn't define who I am today or the man I'll be tomorrow,” said Nallie.
These lessons have helped Nallie while serving in the Navy.
Navy Medicine — comprised of approximately 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals — provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.
“Warfighters are our most important weapon system,” said U.S. Navy Surgeon General Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham. “We prepare and sustain that system. When the warfighter is having their worst day, our high-performing people will be at their best.”
As a member of the Navy, Nallie is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy ensures Americans and others around the world can be safe,” said Nallie. "The more we do to keep the seas safe and strengthen our allies, the more people can experience the American dream."
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Nallie has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I finish my bachelor's degree this Fall, and that will be my biggest achievement so far,” said Nallie.
As Nallie and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means doing something bigger than myself and serving the purpose that's meant for my life,” added Nallie.
NMFL, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia, delivers operationally focused medical expertise and capabilities to meet Fleet, Marine and Joint Force requirements by providing equipment, sustainment and maintenance of medical forces during combat operations and public health crisis. NMFL provides oversight for 21 NMRTCs, logistics, and public health and dental services throughout the U.S. East Coast, U.S. Gulf Coast, Cuba, Hawaii, Europe, and the Middle East.