MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- What does it take to be the best junior enlisted Navy corpsman in mainland Japan?
One of the station’s very own can tell you.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew J. Mitchell from the Branch Health Clinic here was named the 2006 Bluejacket of the Year for Naval Hospital Yokosuka, an award that recognizes the hospital’s most outstanding junior enlisted sailor.
The Redford, Mich., native, bested sailors from hospital branch health clinics in Yoksuka, Sasebo, Atsugi, Iwakuni and the tiny island of Diego Garcia to claim the title.
“It was a great accomplishment,” said the 22-year-old, who was also named the hospital and Branch Health Clinic Bluejacket of the Quarter for the fourth quarter. “It was something I set my sights on since I got here. I just worked hard, kept doing what I was supposed to do and tried to learn as much as I could.”
The competition is stiff as sailors are evaluated according to their accomplishments, command and community involvement, physical readiness and personal awards.
“Overall sailorship is the key faculty,” said Chief Petty Officer Wilfredo R. Sito, Administration and Supply Chief, Branch Health Clinic, and Baguio City, Phillipines native. “They’re looking for someone who goes above and beyond what‘s asked of them.”
Perseverance is a trait that comes naturally to Mitchell, whose father was a Navy Seabee. Though a corpsman’s job can be stressful at times, Mitchell said it’s something he takes pleasure in.
“I love coming in here to work,” said the brown-haired, brown-eyed corpsman. “I enjoy helping people out and taking care of them. I look forward to it.”
Mitchell, who has a twin sister and an older brother, comes from a family of sailors and Marines. After deciding to enlist after high school, he had to decide on a service and job field.
“For a while, I was undecided between the Marines and the Navy,” said Mitchell, who says he dreamed about joining the service since he was nine. “I was interested in the medical field so I chose the Navy so I could be a corpsman and work with Marines.”
Since arriving on the air station nearly two years ago, the sturdy 5’ 8”, 170-pound Mitchell has worked in urgent care, supply and the administration section of the clinic. Each sector provided an opportunity to gain a greater perspective on the medical field.
“There’s such a broad spectrum of people with different knowledge and different backgrounds,” said Mitchell, who plans on making a career out of the Navy. “I’ve learned so much from the doctors and nurses and other corpsman.”
Mitchell’s dedication and work ethic have allowed him to build rapport with his coworkers, who have faith in his ability to get the job done.
“(Mitchell) likes his work and it shows,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Victor D. Johnson, corpsman and Reno, Nev., native. “It can get pretty stressful here at times, but I know I can count on him.”
As Mitchell’s tour of duty in Japan comes to an end, he and the clinic staff can be proud of the hard work he has put in to make the clinic community a better place.
“It’s a privilege to work with him,” said Sito. “When (sailors) come here, we ask them to do a lot of things. Some people start off (motivated) and then die down. For him, it’s been a sustained superior performance. We’re very proud and very fortunate to have him.”
Mitchell will leave soon to go to Camp Lejuene, where he hopes to get the chance to deploy and enhance his skills.
“I’m looking forward to going greenside,” said Mitchell. “I’m excited about the chance to go on deployments and make the most out of the skills I’ve learned here.”