Millington, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Kathyrn Herrick, a native of Port St. Lucie, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella.
Herrick graduated from SLW Centennial in 2015. Later, Herrick received her associate's degree from Indian River State College in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Port St. Lucie.
“Growing up in my hometown, I worked, went to college and helped take care of my family, which taught me the importance of having a strong family (both born and chosen) support and work ethic,” Herrick said. "These two factors have been instrumental in helping me succeed while in the Navy."
Herrick joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Herrick serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the military mainly due to schooling, travel and security," Herrick said. "I joined the Navy following 3 years in Navy JROTC, which my Mom encouraged my siblings and me to check out as a high school elective. NJROTC was interesting and showed me an option I hadn't considered before the class. It was effective, my brother and I are both in the Navy."
"Herrick's passion for her job is evident by the dedication and assistance she provides to our patients every day," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Jen Kurneta. "She sees patients as a technician, providing compassionate psychoeducation while assessing for critical mental health concerns. She provides administrative support and scheduling for five other providers. Her enthusiasm for mental health and patient safety are showcased by hours of instruction and facilitation on mental health aspects to command staff as well as to patients to increase skills and awareness. A constant team player, she has supported base medical readiness through shot rodeos for all beneficiaries. HM2 Herrick’s personal initiative is reflected in her return to college courses to complete her degree and applying goal strategies to successfully reach a personal physical fitness target. In the fall of 2024, HM2 was named USO Volunteer of the Month, due to her continued service to others through over 100 off-duty hours raising the morale of all service members and their families."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Port St. Lucie.
“Growing up in my hometown, I worked, went to college and helped take care of my family, which taught me the importance of having a strong family (both born and chosen) support and work ethic,” Herrick said. "These two factors have been instrumental in helping me succeed while in the Navy."
Herrick joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Herrick serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the military mainly due to schooling, travel and security," Herrick said. "I joined the Navy following 3 years in Navy JROTC, which my Mom encouraged my siblings and me to check out as a high school elective. NJROTC was interesting and showed me an option I hadn't considered before the class. It was effective, my brother and I are both in the Navy."
"Herrick's passion for her job is evident by the dedication and assistance she provides to our patients every day," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Jen Kurneta. "She sees patients as a technician, providing compassionate psychoeducation while assessing for critical mental health concerns. She provides administrative support and scheduling for five other providers. Her enthusiasm for mental health and patient safety are showcased by hours of instruction and facilitation on mental health aspects to command staff as well as to patients to increase skills and awareness. A constant team player, she has supported base medical readiness through shot rodeos for all beneficiaries. HM2 Herrick’s personal initiative is reflected in her return to college courses to complete her degree and applying goal strategies to successfully reach a personal physical fitness target. In the fall of 2024, HM2 was named USO Volunteer of the Month, due to her continued service to others through over 100 off-duty hours raising the morale of all service members and their families."
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Herrick has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of having the opportunities to deploy to many interesting locations and experiencing different types/ forms of Mental Health care (ex. Inpatient, Shipboard, Outpatient, etc.)," Herrick said. "I am also proud of helping other Sailors achieve their goals and find their way in the Navy."
Herrick serves a Navy that operates worldwide and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me," Herrick added. "It gives me a chance to protect others, have experiences I cannot have anywhere else, and to better myself."
Herrick is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.