MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A native of Washington, D.C., serving at U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Sigonella, Italy, was recently promoted to senior chief petty officer.
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| Senior Chief Petty Officer Wendy Cajas’ (center) daughter and Command Master Chief Jason Marnné pin on Cajas’ new rank during the pinning ceremony. |
Senior Chief Petty Officer Wendy Cajas graduated from C.D. Hylton High School in 1997. Additionally, Cajas earned a degree from Trident University in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Washington.
“Being first generation here, I remember my mom and dad working so hard to make a better life for us,” said Cajas. “Their drive is what I learned at a young age. I give my all in uniform and to my daughter. My father would always tell me to keep pushing forward no matter what. I always hear his voice telling me that when the road gets bumpy. Now, I am blessed to show my daughter how hard work pays off as she is always by my side at every accomplishment we reach.”
Cajas joined the Navy 24 years ago. Today, Cajas serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy when I was 20 years old,” said Cajas. “As the oldest of three first-generation young ladies, I knew I needed to be a good role model for my sisters. Also, working at the mall did not keep me engaged so I decided to be an adult and figure out my life. One day, I saw two Marines working out by the recruiting station and I wanted to be in shape like them. At the time, I weighed 200 pounds and the moment I saw them, I felt motivated! After a few months, they taught me how to run, I started to lose weight, and I told them I wanted to join the military and work in the dental field. The gunnies informed me that Marines did not have a MOS (military occupational specialty) for dental and escorted me over to the Navy office. That week I joined the Navy.”
Cajas is a leader at USNMRTC Sigonella.
“My favorite part of being a leader is seeing how sailors grow mentally, emotionally and physically when they trust us,” said Cajas. “Training them to replace me and them understanding why it is so important to embrace our Navy heritage and culture makes them into the sailors the Navy needs today.”
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| Senior Chief Petty Officer Wendy Cajas (right) accepts a certificate from Capt. TaRail Vernon, commanding officer of USNMRTC Sigonella. |
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.
“Senior Chief Cajas is a tough leader whose resilience, drive, and commitment to those she leads, set her apart and inspire everyone around her,” said HMCM(FMF) Jason Marnné, Command Master Chief of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Sigonella. “She’s a leader who truly makes a difference.”
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.
Cajas serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Cajas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is not just one moment or event,” said Cajas. “I am at my proudest when I see sailors get recognized for their accomplishments. I love seeing their faces light up when they are advanced, selected for sailor of the quarter/year, or when they tell me about their awesome school accomplishments.”
Cajas can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means that I serve alongside great sailors who also wanted to become part of something bigger and better,” said Cajas. “The Navy is built with different generations of sailors who come together as one to get things done. Each sailor brings with them their own ideas, traditions, and mindsets. This is how we evolve as one. The Navy is a strong force because each one of us has dedicated our lives to stand strong and united.”
Cajas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.