MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Petty Officer 2nd Class William Shaft, a native of Marion, Virginia, was recently awarded the 2025 HMC Scott Rudy Junior Preventive Medicine Technician of the Year (JPMT) award and serves at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Groton.
The HMC Scott Rudy JPMT of the Year Award is presented to a junior enlisted Sailor in the U.S. Navy serving in the Preventive Medicine Technician rating. The award recognizes Sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership, and excellence in force health protection and preventive medicine.
Shaft graduated from Marion Senior High School in 2017, and joined the Navy eight years ago and today serves as a hospital corpsman where he has come to value being able to help people.
“I joined the Navy for direction and opportunities to travel,” Shaft said. “My dad and his parents served in the Marine Corps. Being able to help and protect my fellow servicemembers is what I like best about my job,” Shaft said.
According to Shaft, the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those he developed in Marion.
“Hard work and discipline are some of the lessons learned from growing up Marion,” Shaft said. “Since I was a kid, I worked so hard and was driven to be the best I could be at whatever I chose to do. That discipline and willingness to put in extra effort have been crucial in being successful in my Navy career.”
U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit (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.
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. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
Shaft said the Navy plays a vital role in defending our nation.
“We are often out of sight, out of mind,” Shaft said, “but while hile you sleep, we stand the watch protecting our nation.”
Shaft said he has had many opportunities to achieve success during his military service, and adds that serving in the Navy is a privilege that has added many positives to his life.
“I am most proud of being named the Preventive Medicine Technician of the Year,” Shaft said.
“The Navy is all I have known in my adult life. Whether it’s happiness or heartbreak, foreign port calls or 24-hour watch, failure or success, it’s all lessons learned that make me a better person and a better mentor for those that follow.”
“Hard work and discipline are some of the lessons learned from growing up Marion,” Shaft said. “Since I was a kid, I worked so hard and was driven to be the best I could be at whatever I chose to do. That discipline and willingness to put in extra effort have been crucial in being successful in my Navy career.”
U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit (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.
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. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
Shaft said the Navy plays a vital role in defending our nation.
“We are often out of sight, out of mind,” Shaft said, “but while hile you sleep, we stand the watch protecting our nation.”
Shaft said he has had many opportunities to achieve success during his military service, and adds that serving in the Navy is a privilege that has added many positives to his life.
“I am most proud of being named the Preventive Medicine Technician of the Year,” Shaft said.
“The Navy is all I have known in my adult life. Whether it’s happiness or heartbreak, foreign port calls or 24-hour watch, failure or success, it’s all lessons learned that make me a better person and a better mentor for those that follow.”