MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Petty Officer 3rd Class Pelina Noel, a native of Port-au-Prince, West Department, Haiti, was recently awarded the Junior Sailor of the Quarter (JSOQ) award while serving with Expeditionary Medical Facility 150 Mike (EMF-M) in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Navy’s Junior Sailor of the Quarter program recognizes sailors for outstanding character, dedication, and going above and beyond their duties. Noel was also awarded a Flag Letter of Commendation.
Noel credits his upbringing in Haiti for his success in the Navy and life.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned to be resilient,” Noel said. “I lived through a lot of natural disasters like earthquakes, Cholera, and Hurricanes, which taught me the importance of having the courage to face difficult situations and to be ready to provide help to anyone in need.”
Noel, a graduate from Lindsey Learning Center in 2016, joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Noel serves as a hospital corpsman assigned to Expeditionary Medical Facility 150 Mike in Jacksonville, Florida.
“I joined the Navy to be able to travel around the world and to further my education,” Noel said.
EMF-M consists of more than 400 sailors, including medical staff and support personnel. EMFs are staffed and sourced by Navy Medicine personnel from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands (NMRTCs) at military treatment facilities across the country. The bulk of EMF-M’s personnel come from NMRTC Jacksonville and Naval Hospital Jacksonville.
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.
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.
Noel has had many opportunities during his naval service to achieve success, but a few stand out from the rest.
“I am most proud of being selected Junior Sailor of the Quarter,” Noel said. “I am also proud to be part of the Navy and the Color Guard team.”
Noel serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” Noel said. “It gives me a chance to serve the county and to create a better, safer environment for my future children. I want to be able to show them and everyone else that there is nothing impossible as long as you put your heart into it. You can accomplish any goals you set your mind to.”
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/