JUNE 10, 2015, SAN DIEGO (NNS) – More than 100 Sailors, Marines, veterans, dependents, and Department of Defense civilians and contractors were recognized for their scholastic achievements during the 7th annual Academic Military Recognition Ceremony held June 5 on the Pacific Beacon lawn aboard Naval Base San Diego (NBSD).
The ceremony was an opportunity for the San Diego metropolitan bases to recognize 2015 graduate’s accomplishments as they walked across the stage in front of family and friends to receive their certificates and degrees.
“Many Sailors are not able to walk with their graduating class because of satellite campuses, distance learning, deployments or other conflicts with work,” said Capt. Curt Jones, commanding officer, Naval Base San Diego. “Achieving higher education is a great success and we make it a point to hold this ceremony so our personnel have a chance to be recognized in a formal setting.”
Chief Information Technology Specialist Nick Irwin, a Navy reservist, was one of the Sailors that were recognized.
“Commitment, persistence, and time management around a busy work schedule were essential to my success,” he said. “I always encourage my fellow Sailors to strive for higher education.”
The ceremony’s guest speaker, Anthony E. Beebe, president of San Diego City College, spoke of the grit necessary to complete academic endeavors and how these accomplishments have a positive impact on others.
“Grit is having a personal vision for yourself and family and working hard for it. We are so proud of the graduates for having that grit day in and day out,” said Beebe.
Raymond Sayre, director of Navy College Offices for NBSD and Naval Base Ventura County, said that all of the military graduates had to manage their academics around a full work schedule, many of whom are deployed overseas. “The command support of academics is critical and of absolute importance,” said Sayre.
Whether the service member is deployed or at home, there are various ways a command can provide support to help them achieve their goals.
“The support that the military provides as well as the educational benefits afforded to service members is outstanding. It made it financially possible for me to pursue a degree and the support and encouragement from the command gave me the confidence to succeed,” said retired Senior Chief Gas Turbine Technician John Boville.
The degree is a stepping stone for many graduates who have larger academic goals and for those who are looking to enhance their career experiences. Boville earned his associate’s degree at National University in General Studies and is now working towards his bachelor’s degree.
“Education improves the quality of life of service members and these graduates will go on to do great things for our country whether they make the military a career or decide to move onto the civilian sector,” said Sayre. “Learning is life-long and it doesn’t stop here.”