By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Shelby Sutton, a native of Harker Heights, Texas, serving the U.S. Navy assigned to U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Sigonella, Italy, recently received a challenge coin from their commanding officer.
Being 'coined' is a time-honored military tradition where service members are recognized by leadership for their hard work and dedication.
“HM2 Sutton has been at the command for almost a year and has been a great asset to the department and the command," said Lt. j.g. Nicholas Kirsh, patient administration division officer at USNMRTC Sigonella. "As the fleet liaison, she is the direct point of contact for the Strike Groups that enter our area of operation and continuously provides exceptional support in meeting the operational needs of the fleet. As the medical temporary duty travel coordinator, she provides guidance and logistical support for patients that travel to higher echelons of care from the initial referral until they return to Sigonella, ensuring patients always have someone to rely on. She continues to do great things and make positive impacts.”
Sutton graduated from Granite Hills High School in Apple Valley, California, in 2016 and is currently attending the University of Maryland.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Harker Heights.
"I learned growing up to be resilient in the face of hard times," said Sutton. "Growing up, I didn't have an easy time. However, I learned that since I've already survived my worst days, I can get through anything."
Sutton joined the Navy six years ago.
"I joined the Navy to serve a greater purpose and to make an impact medically," said Sutton. "I also wanted to travel the world and make a difference while doing it."
Today, Sutton serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.
"My favorite part about being a corpsman is the significance I get to make in the fleet by providing shipes and units supplies, equipment and medical care," said Sutton.
USNMRTC Sigonella / Naval Hospital Sigonella is a community hospital located in the heart of the Mediterranean in Sicily, Italy. Comprised of a local satellite clinic and two branch health clinics located in Bahrain and Souda Bay, USNMRTC Sigonella’s staff of 387 serves approximately 8,500 active duty, family members, NATO members, retirees and other beneficiaries based on international collaborations and status of forces agreements.
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.
Sutton serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Sutton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment in the Navy has been the opportunity to provide en-route care during the Reunion of Honors Ceremony on Iwo Jima," said Sutton. "The privilege to be able to stand on Moung Suribachi where so much history took place and be able to provide transportation care for eight people including WW2 veterans will be a moment I will never forget. I'm also very proud of earning the Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist pin. It means a great deal to me because it represents the sacrifices and accomplishments made by both sailors and Marines."
Sutton can take pride in serving America through military service.
"Serving in the Navy means a chance to improve myself every day and be the best version of myself," added Sutton. "It also gives me a chance to learn and pass knowledge on to others."