MILLINGTON, Tenn. – U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Graziene Veloso Diaz, who has family in San Diego, was recently selected as Sailor of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2025 while serving at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Pendleton, California.
Sailor of the Quarter is an award given to an enlisted sailor who demonstrates sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.
“While I am proud of being meritoriously promoted at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego, and honored to have won Sailor of the Quarter and been nominated for Sailor of the Year at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Camp Pendleton, my proudest achievement remains the positive impact I’ve had on the lives of my fellow sailors,” Veloso Diaz said.
Veloso Diaz, who grew up in Brazil and came to the United States more than a decade ago, is grateful for the support Troy and Debbie Dunnington, a San Diego family, provided.
“When I first arrived in the United States back in 2011, they welcomed me with open arms and became my family away from family,” Veloso Diaz said. “To this day, they’ve been there to share in my happiness and support me through the tough times.”
Veloso Diaz is working on a bachelor’s degree in public health from National University.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those learned from Veloso Diaz’s mother.
“The biggest lessons in my life came from my mother,” Veloso Diaz said. “I grew up watching my mother, who was a single mother, work tirelessly to provide for our family. Even in the face of countless challenges, she never gave up. From her, I learned the importance of resilience and a strong work ethic. I saw firsthand that with determination and hard work, you can overcome any obstacle. That lesson has been invaluable in the Navy. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but I always remembered my mother’s strength and perseverance. I channeled that energy into pushing myself and my team to succeed. Her example instilled in me a sense of commitment and a belief that I can always find a way to overcome challenges.”
Veloso Diaz joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to give back to the country that has given me so much,” Veloso Diaz said. “Growing up in Brazil, I always admired America’s ideals. Immigrating here wasn’t just about seeking a better life; it was about finding a place where I could truly belong and contribute. My husband and I both feel a deep sense of responsibility to defend the values of our nation — he serves in the Air Force, and I am eager to serve in the Navy.
“To me, the Navy represents the best of America: a diverse and highly skilled team working together to protect our freedoms. I’m excited to contribute my dedication and abilities to the team.”
Today, Veloso Diaz serves as a hospital corpsman at NMRTC Camp Pendleton, which carries out its mission to maximize warfighter performance and enhance the readiness of the medical force.
NMRTC Camp Pendleton is comprised predominantly of military members who support Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. The command supports overall Navy and Marine Corps readiness by training military command members to ensure they are ready to deploy and provide medical support to various operational Navy and Marine units deployed, ashore or at sea.
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.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contributions to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
Veloso Diaz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy isn’t just a single event, but a pattern of helping others achieve their potential,” Veloso Diaz said. “It started in boot camp, where I saw some female recruits struggling and doubting themselves. I made it my mission to support them. By running alongside them, helping them pace themselves, I was able to directly contribute to their success, and they all passed. That experience ignited a passion for mentorship that I’ve carried throughout my career. Whether it’s guiding junior sailors through challenges or helping them reach their goals, I find immense satisfaction in supporting their growth.”
Veloso Diaz serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, serving in the Navy is about building a legacy of service and responsibility,” Veloso Diaz said. “It’s an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth, a chance to unlock my full potential, and a profound way to honor the sacrifices of countless individuals who paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today. Knowing that I am actively contributing to something far greater than myself, and that my efforts will help ensure a brighter, more secure future for generations to come, infuses my life with purpose and meaning.”
Veloso Diaz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my mother, my husband, and my 5-year-old daughter,” Veloso Diaz said. “They are my bedrock, my constant source of love and support, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They’ve made countless sacrifices to allow me to pursue this path, and I’m incredibly grateful.”