MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Buckley, a native of Millville, New Jersey, was recently named Junior Sailor of the Quarter (JSOQ) serving at Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) located in Norfolk, Virginia.
The JSOQ program is a recognition program for sailors with a history of sustained superior performance, command impact, mission contribution, proven leadership, dedication to self-improvement, outstanding professionalism and superior personal appearance.
Buckley, a 2010 graduate of Sacred Heart High School, joined the Navy 13 years ago.
"My grandfather did about three years in the Navy from 1957 to 1960 and was honorably discharged as a Machinist's Mate 3rd Class," said Buckley. "His name was Thomas John Buckley Sr., and I can easily recall listening to his stories about being young and excited while deployed. As I progressed throughout the years and came close to graduating, I knew that college wasn't on the horizon for me and that I wanted to be a part of something better than myself. I knew the Armed Forces was that route, and it wasn't long after graduating in 2010 that I knew my end goal was to be enlisted in the United States Navy."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Millville.
"Aside from smaller jobs around my hometown that I did small stints in, the Navy was my actual real job as I entered adulthood," said Buckley. "But the great education I received while attending school and having a well-structured family that supported me in my endeavors very much prepared me for joining the military."
Today, Buckley serves as a religious program specialist supporting Navy chaplains.
"I actually performed two jobs throughout my Naval career, the first 10 years being a master-at-arms and now currently rated as a religious program specialist," said Buckley. "To keep it simple, both ratings in my opinion solely focus on helping and protecting people, whether that be through the use of security/law enforcement fundamentals as a master-at-arms, or helping a fellow service member and their families if they're undergoing some type of mental health crisis or in need of a religious accommodation as a religious program specialist with my fellow Chaplains. I'm right where I prefer to be in the Navy."
CNRMA is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 14 installations and 50 Naval Operational Support Centers.
As the naval shore installation management headquarters, CNRMA provides coordination of base operating support functions for operating forces throughout the region in support of the fleet, fighter and family.
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.
Buckley serves a Navy that operates far 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 Admiral Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Buckley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"Leaning more towards this being one of my proudest feelings and not necessarily a moment, but I had the honor and privilege of working with a United States Navy sailor whose name was Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark Mayo," said Buckley. "Mark and I were stationed at Naval Station Norfolk's Sewells Point Police Precinct together and I learned a lot from him from his past experience and understanding. March 24, 2014, was a terrible day for our police department as an unfortunate incident occurred aboard the USS Mahan that was docked on Pier 1. An active shooter attempted to make physical entry into the ship, and Mayo without hesitation challenged the suspect and neutralized the threat, unfortunately losing his life in the process. Upon hearing of this tragic news, I promised myself that by honoring Mark's memory and legacy by always working hard, staying positive, being friendly to all shipmates around, and being the best person I could be, which is something that he'd tell me in passing. I'm very proud to have known my friend and fellow shipmate, Mark Mayo."
Buckley can take pride in serving America through military service.
"Serving in the Navy means being attached to a group that is not only something greater than my individual self but a group that is willing to put their lives on the line to protect what we stand for as Americans," added Buckley.
"I actually performed two jobs throughout my Naval career, the first 10 years being a master-at-arms and now currently rated as a religious program specialist," said Buckley. "To keep it simple, both ratings in my opinion solely focus on helping and protecting people, whether that be through the use of security/law enforcement fundamentals as a master-at-arms, or helping a fellow service member and their families if they're undergoing some type of mental health crisis or in need of a religious accommodation as a religious program specialist with my fellow Chaplains. I'm right where I prefer to be in the Navy."
CNRMA is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 14 installations and 50 Naval Operational Support Centers.
As the naval shore installation management headquarters, CNRMA provides coordination of base operating support functions for operating forces throughout the region in support of the fleet, fighter and family.
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.
Buckley serves a Navy that operates far 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 Admiral Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Buckley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"Leaning more towards this being one of my proudest feelings and not necessarily a moment, but I had the honor and privilege of working with a United States Navy sailor whose name was Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark Mayo," said Buckley. "Mark and I were stationed at Naval Station Norfolk's Sewells Point Police Precinct together and I learned a lot from him from his past experience and understanding. March 24, 2014, was a terrible day for our police department as an unfortunate incident occurred aboard the USS Mahan that was docked on Pier 1. An active shooter attempted to make physical entry into the ship, and Mayo without hesitation challenged the suspect and neutralized the threat, unfortunately losing his life in the process. Upon hearing of this tragic news, I promised myself that by honoring Mark's memory and legacy by always working hard, staying positive, being friendly to all shipmates around, and being the best person I could be, which is something that he'd tell me in passing. I'm very proud to have known my friend and fellow shipmate, Mark Mayo."
Buckley can take pride in serving America through military service.
"Serving in the Navy means being attached to a group that is not only something greater than my individual self but a group that is willing to put their lives on the line to protect what we stand for as Americans," added Buckley.