MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward Westrick, a native of Jacksonville, Illinois, recently reenlisted in the U.S. Navy for three more years while assigned to the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) in Millington, Tennessee.
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| Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Melanie Perez, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
“I reenlisted because I wanted to make serving in the Navy a career,” Westrick said. “I decided it’s what’s best for my family.”
Westrick graduated from Jacksonville High School in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Jacksonville.
“Growing up in my hometown, I had several fast food and factory jobs,” Westrick said. “I started working for Burres detasseling corn when I was 14. Starting to work young helped me mature from an early age and taught me the importance of discipline.”
Westrick joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Westrick serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy as a stepping stone to better myself and grow as a person,” Westrick said.
NAVCO connects Americans with their Navy by overseeing a number of community outreach programs designed to bring America’s Navy to cities throughout the country that do not enjoy a significant Navy presence. It targets cities away from coastal fleet concentration areas to share stories of service to build public awareness and support, and demonstrate the Navy’s relevance to national security and prosperity.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution 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.
Westrick has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“As the admin officer at NAVCO, I have impacted many people here,” Westrick said. “What makes me proud is seeing that my impact matters and that I’m able to help the people here succeed every day.”
Westrick serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I have been in the Navy for almost 13 years now,” Westrick said. “It was once just a stepping stone for me, but now it’s a way of life. Every day it brings new opportunities for me and my family.”
Westrick is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife as well as my family and friends back home because I know that even when times get hard, I have their support no matter what,” Westrick said.