By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Heather Boswell, a sailor whose parents reside in Kingston, Oklahoma, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Sigonella / U.S. Naval Hospital (NH) Sigonella, Italy.
Boswell is a 2017 graduate of Midwest City High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma, who also graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2025 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Boswell joined the Navy six years ago.
"I wanted to better my life and have a new scenery and fresh start," Boswell said. "I decided to go active duty, so I can travel the world and be able to pay for college."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Midwest City.
"Ever since I was a little kid, I had always had a strong work ethic," Boswell said. "I remember when I used to always want to go to work with my parents to help them out. When I turned 16, I started working in the restaurant business. It taught me how to deal with people from different backgrounds in life and to always chase after my dreams. That work ethic has been instrumental in helping me accomplish my goals and be successful while in the Navy."
Today, Boswell serves as a culinary specialist (CS) with USNMRTC Sigonella.
"My favorite part about being a CS is being able to network with new people and to put a smile on someone's face," Boswell said.
USNMRTC Sigonella / NH 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.
“CS2 Boswell accurately reflects her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication," said Lt. Okechukwu Ezeonwurie, department head for materials management. "Beyond her daily responsibilities, which include expertly managing meal preparation for our personnel and overseeing the secure handling and distribution of a high volume of mail to our service members, CS2 Boswell also capably manages vehicle maintenance, linen distribution and key control. Her commitment extends beyond her official duties, as evidenced by her volunteer work at a local animal shelter and her active participation on both the Corpsman Ball and Navy Ball Committees. CS2 Boswell’s contributions significantly bolster team morale at Naval Air Station Sigonella. Her recent accomplishment of earning a bachelor's degree further exemplifies her commitment to personal and professional growth, embodying the highest standards of naval tradition. CS2 Boswell serves as an exemplary role model for junior sailors and we deeply value her presence within our ranks.”
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.
Boswell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"In the six years that I have been serving in the military, I have accomplished many things," Boswell said. "I made E-5 in less than four years, received two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement awards, graduated with my bachelor's degree in criminal justice and have been recognized for many small achievements. However, I am most proud of making petty officer second class at my first command, and I am also proud of being able to help out other sailors with their goals and to become a great leader."
Boswell can take pride in serving America through military service.
"Serving in the Navy means the world to me," added Boswell. "It has given me the ability to realize how much potential I have in life. It also gives me the opportunity to make my family proud and to give my nieces and nephews someone to look up to."