MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Seaman Evelyn Stratton, a native of Risco, Missouri, was recently selected as the Blue Jacket of the Quarter (BJOQ) while serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command in Jacksonville, Florida.
Blue Jacket of the Quarter is an award given to a junior enlisted sailor who demonstrates sustained superior performance, leadership, and professionalism.
“Growing up, I lived in a very small town,” Stratton said. “Without a big family name or knowing the right people, you tend to not fit in. I learned that it takes hard work to get recognized and even more work to be at the same level. Work hard, play hard! Rub some dirt in it, as my mom would say.”
Stratton graduated from Risco R-II in 2019, and later from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. She joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to honor and serve my country,” Stratton said. “I have wanted to serve since I was a little girl and it means the most to me to take care of my country.”
Today, Stratton serves as a hospital corpsman assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command in Jacksonville, Florida.
According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research.
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.
Stratton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being named Blue Jacket of the Quarter,” Stratton said. “I am proud that the things I do in my day-to-day life positively affect those around me. I think I never would have won this without the support of my wife, my leaders, and my peers. I am proud to call them family.”
Stratton 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 the world to me,” Stratton said. “There have been those before me that have put their life on the line for my freedom, I want to repay that debt, serve my amazing country and put my life on the line to protect those who can't.”
Stratton is grateful for their career in the Navy.
“My favorite part about being a corpsman is getting to network and learn more about the job,” Stratton said. “I like that I get to do new things every day and practice my skill while also meeting a new and different person every day, someone that I can help.”
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/