MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Petty Officer 3rd Class Jodi Ann Harris-Streete, a native of Jamaica, New York, was recently awarded the Junior Sailor of the Year (JSOY) award and serves at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Groton.
JSOY is an award given to an enlisted sailor in the Navy who is in the pay grade of E-4, or petty officer third class. The award recognizes sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.
Harris graduated from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in 2015 and will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in health science in January 2026.
Harris joined the Navy eight years ago and today serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I chose to join the military because I grew up watching my dad serve in the Army, and his dedication inspired me to follow in his footsteps,” Harris said. “I wanted to create a better life for my family, step into a stable and meaningful career, and push myself to become something greater than I ever imagined.”
Harris said she values being able to help people.
“What I like best about my job is that I get to help people every single day and know that what I’m doing makes a real difference in their lives,” Harris said. “Whether it’s answering questions, calming someone’s nerves, or making sure they get the care or support they need, it makes me feel good to be someone others can rely on. I also take pride in making a positive impression on my peers. I try to show up as professional, dependable, and respectful because I want the people I work with to see me as someone they can trust and count on.”
Harris added that the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those she developed in Jamaica.
“My hometown taught me to work hard, stay humble, and always look out for others,” Harris said. “Those lessons have stayed with me in the Navy. I remember where I came from, who I represent, and I try to make my family and community proud in everything I do.”
NMRTU Groton’s mission is to maximize warfighter performance through tailored medical readiness, enhancing medical force readiness for expeditionary needs, and training the Navy Medicine workforce.
Navy Medicine, represented by more than 44,000 military and civilian health care professionals, provides expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below and above the sea, and ashore.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
“America is a maritime nation, and for 250 years, America’s warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom,” Navy officials said.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access relying on secure undersea fiber optic cables, Navy leaders emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the country.
Harris said the Navy plays a vital role in defending our nation.
“The Navy defends our nation by controlling the seas, projecting power around the world, and deterring threats before they reach our shores,” Harris said. “The part of the Navy I represent helps by keeping sailors medically ready for the fleet and prepared to answer the call anytime they’re needed.”
Harris said she has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during her military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning my Fleet Marine Force qualification while on deployment in Norway and growing as a leader my command can rely on,” Harris said. “That experience tested me physically and mentally, and pushed me to step up, not just in the field, but back in the clinic as well. I’m proud that I help keep sailors medically ready, mentor junior sailors and represent both my command and family with pride.”
When asked what serving in the Navy means to her, Harris emphasized what a privilege it is to serve and her desire to become a naval officer.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than myself,” Harris said. “It’s a promise to protect my country, take care of the sailors beside me, and represent my family with pride. It’s sacrifice, discipline, and growth, but also a privilege, because not everyone gets to wear the uniform and answer the call when our nation needs us. I’ll be graduating with a health science degree in January 2026 and continuing my journey to become a naval officer.”
JSOY is an award given to an enlisted sailor in the Navy who is in the pay grade of E-4, or petty officer third class. The award recognizes sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.
Harris graduated from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in 2015 and will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in health science in January 2026.
Harris joined the Navy eight years ago and today serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I chose to join the military because I grew up watching my dad serve in the Army, and his dedication inspired me to follow in his footsteps,” Harris said. “I wanted to create a better life for my family, step into a stable and meaningful career, and push myself to become something greater than I ever imagined.”
Harris said she values being able to help people.
“What I like best about my job is that I get to help people every single day and know that what I’m doing makes a real difference in their lives,” Harris said. “Whether it’s answering questions, calming someone’s nerves, or making sure they get the care or support they need, it makes me feel good to be someone others can rely on. I also take pride in making a positive impression on my peers. I try to show up as professional, dependable, and respectful because I want the people I work with to see me as someone they can trust and count on.”
Harris added that the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those she developed in Jamaica.
“My hometown taught me to work hard, stay humble, and always look out for others,” Harris said. “Those lessons have stayed with me in the Navy. I remember where I came from, who I represent, and I try to make my family and community proud in everything I do.”
NMRTU Groton’s mission is to maximize warfighter performance through tailored medical readiness, enhancing medical force readiness for expeditionary needs, and training the Navy Medicine workforce.
Navy Medicine, represented by more than 44,000 military and civilian health care professionals, provides expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below and above the sea, and ashore.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
“America is a maritime nation, and for 250 years, America’s warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom,” Navy officials said.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access relying on secure undersea fiber optic cables, Navy leaders emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the country.
Harris said the Navy plays a vital role in defending our nation.
“The Navy defends our nation by controlling the seas, projecting power around the world, and deterring threats before they reach our shores,” Harris said. “The part of the Navy I represent helps by keeping sailors medically ready for the fleet and prepared to answer the call anytime they’re needed.”
Harris said she has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during her military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning my Fleet Marine Force qualification while on deployment in Norway and growing as a leader my command can rely on,” Harris said. “That experience tested me physically and mentally, and pushed me to step up, not just in the field, but back in the clinic as well. I’m proud that I help keep sailors medically ready, mentor junior sailors and represent both my command and family with pride.”
When asked what serving in the Navy means to her, Harris emphasized what a privilege it is to serve and her desire to become a naval officer.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than myself,” Harris said. “It’s a promise to protect my country, take care of the sailors beside me, and represent my family with pride. It’s sacrifice, discipline, and growth, but also a privilege, because not everyone gets to wear the uniform and answer the call when our nation needs us. I’ll be graduating with a health science degree in January 2026 and continuing my journey to become a naval officer.”