High School (year graduated): Grafton (1991)
Rank: Commander
Job: Public Affairs Officer
Years in Navy: 31
Current duty assignment: Chief of Public Engagement for United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
Reason for joining Navy: “I knew that I wanted to go to college, but self-assessed that I was not ready yet,” said Wierzbicki. “I decided to join the Navy for educational benefits through the GI Bill program.”
Favorite part of job: “Our sailors are doing great things every day and there are hundreds of stories to tell,” said Wierzbicki. “The most gratifying part of my job is to be able to tell those stories and highlight our sailors.”
Lessons from hometown: “I was actively involved in Boy Scouts in Troop 840 in Grafton and attained the Eagle Scout rank,” said Wierzbicki. “Those experiences taught me the importance of service to our community and to our nation.”
Proudest accomplishment: “I am most proud of the teams of sailors that I have led and the accomplishments we were able to achieve, and watching my sailors grow and reach milestones in their future assignments,” said Wierzbicki. “I am also proud to have received the Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals for my contributions during those conflicts. I am humbled by the sacrifices that were made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines I served with.”
Naval service: “As a sailor in the Navy we make bonds many do not understand,” said Wierzbicki. “Wearing a uniform, no matter what branch of the military, serves a purpose bigger than yourself.”
Advice: “Nothing is impossible and there are many great opportunities within the military,” said Wierzbicki. “You should take advantage of everything that the service has to offer.”