SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Wendy Smith, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, serves in the U.S. Navy with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Allison |
Smith graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 2014.
Smith joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Smith serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy for all the opportunities they offer and for the overall good they do globally,” said Smith. "I experienced it firsthand when I saw the USNS Comfort extending humanitarian assistance in El Salvador when I was still living there in 2007. After coming to the U.S., I realized I wanted to give back and it would be something I would take pride in doing."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lincoln.
“Nebraska is known for having people who believe you can’t have too much of a good thing,” said Smith. "With their ever-growing hospitality, Nebraskans will always make room for everyone. They enjoy learning from each other and growing together. This has helped me build strong, long-lasting relationships with all my peers making all missions flow smoothly through comradery."
According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC serves as the single point of contact in support of installation and operational commanders, providing medical information, support and over medical cognizance of the active duty and reserve force.
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.
Smith serves a Navy that operates 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.”
Smith has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of advancing in rank to petty officer second class because it was through the global COVID pandemic,” said Smith. "Even though we were limited on personnel, our team did its best to carry on the mission and it resulted in receiving special recognition. This helped my nomination for promotion and made my decision to stay Navy."
Smith can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I serve in the Navy because, although sometimes challenging, it’s equally rewarding through great programs and benefits,” said Smith. "The Navy is a great example of ‘it’s what you make it’ and serving with pride is the best way to have job satisfaction. To me, being in the Navy is like serving within your community because, at the end of the day, our main goal is to take care of each other and make it back home."
Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Sherri Smith for always visiting and always supporting me through all my duty stations,” added Smith. "She provided support through my first permanent change of station move and was a caregiver for my children through most operational commitments. I am grateful to her for taking care of my house and children when the Navy says it’s time to go. I also want to thank my dad, Robert Ramirez, for supporting me throughout my decision to serve in the Navy.”