February 18, 2000
Story by J.L. Chirrick
Photo by Jason Emerson
Honor, courage and commitment define
the character of Marcellino E. Valdez. The 32-year-old son-in-law
of Martha Elizalde of Poway exemplifies the Navy core values through
devotion to work at Transient Personnel Unit, San Diego. So, when
the personnel unit held a competition to choose its Sailor
of the Year for 1999, Valdez was the clear choice.
Each year, the personnel unit holds a competition to identify one special individual and reward this person with the title Sailor of the Year (SOY). The person selected as the SOY affirms their merit through a rigorous series of reviews and competition with other Sailors in the command.
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Valdez proved more than up to the challenge.
"I do the best I can and have a legitimate concern for the well being of my command," said Valdez, who is married to Elizalde's daughter Martha.
As a senior petty officer at the personnel unit, Valdez supervises the activities of personnel assigned for disciplinary action. It is a job with many responsibilities.
"I house and supervise approximately 120 discipline residents. I provide them with daily work assignments while processing them back into the fleet or for a discharge from the Navy," Valdez said.
Achieving this level of responsibility and dealing with daily conflicts have been challenging at times, but Valdez has maintained his focus through the motivation of fellow Sailors.
"Petty Officer 1st Class Harris, who was my supervisor while I was at Fighter Squadron 51, has had the most impact on me," said Valdez.
The 14-year Navy veteran added, "He changed the direction I was heading in."
Valdez knows an outside source of motivation can make the difference in many situations, and has always done the best to be a source of inspiration for others.
"I motivate others by showing them how to do things. I also work hard and have a concern for my shipmates. But most of all, I do my job with positive attitude," Valdez said.
By example, Valdez hopes to help others succeed and possibly set the place for another individual to become the Sailor of the Year for 2000.
Valdez said, "You have to care about people and treat them with respect."
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