MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Pia Marie Dressler, from Norristown, Pennsylvania, was recently meritoriously advanced to petty officer second class while serving the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Bethesda, Maryland.
“I was meritoriously advanced to petty officer second class based on merit, having consistently demonstrated exceptional performance through outstanding evaluations, leadership, community volunteerism and unwavering commitment to my role as a hospital corpsman,” Dressler said.
The Meritorious Advancement Program is a system within the military that allows exceptional service members to be promoted ahead of the usual timeline, based on their outstanding performance and contributions.
“Getting meritoriously advanced serves as a validation of my unwavering dedication and perseverance,” Dressler said. “I am profoundly thankful for the leadership that empowers me to reach my full potential. I am proud to serve and uphold the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.”
Dressler attended high school in the Philippines, graduating in 2014. Dressler earned a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy in 2018.
Dressler has served in the Navy for four years.
“My dad, a retired Philippine Navy chief, has been my lifelong inspiration,” Dressler said. “I recall telling myself, ‘One day, I’ll wear that uniform too.’ Although circumstances took an unexpected turn when we immigrated to the United States in 2020, my family’s encouragement led me to join the U.S. Navy, making me the first member of our family to do so and fulfilling our shared aspirations.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Norristown.
“My experience as a health care worker assisting elderly patients with dementia has instilled in me the virtues of patience and appreciation for life’s small pleasures, as time is precious,” Dressler said.
Today, Dressler serves as a hospital corpsman.
“My favorite part about my job is assisting fellow military members and their families in receiving the optimal care they deserve, while concurrently acquiring new knowledge that makes work exciting and more engaging,” Dressler said.
NMRTC Bethesda’s mission is to maximize warfighter performance through optimized medical readiness tailored to operational requirements, enhance the readiness of the medical force to sustain expeditionary medical capability, and train and develop the Navy Medicine Force.
Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring 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.
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.
Dressler has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest achievement in the Navy was being selected as Strike Fighter Squadron 22’s Blue Jacket of the Year in 2023, which provided me with the opportunity to ride in and experience flying with the F/A-18 Super Hornets,” Dressler said.
Dressler serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“By serving in the Navy, I am one step closer to fulfilling the lifelong ambitions that I prayed for,” Dressler said. “Granting me the privilege of protecting the country and its citizens who have facilitated my growth and helped me unlock my true capabilities.”