NAS Sailor receives award

NAS Meridian took some time off today to honor three Sailors who were nominated for the 2018 AC2 Whitney Powell Memorial Military Citizen of the Year award.

“Those folks get out from behind the desk and do a lot of work in the communities to do great things and the community really makes that opportunity available to us. So, it’s important to take some time off to recognize the folks that do that.” -Capt. Brian Hortsman, Commanding Officer, NAS Meridian

Those nominated for this award are Sailors that spend time off base and out in the community. The winner of the award, Religious Program Specialist Second Class Orrin Bryant has spent a lot of time with local schools such as Meridian Public Schools, Northeast Lauderdale, and Clarkdale.

“Being able to go there and mentor the young kids and just building relationship and showing that everybody’s there for them. You know, being able to help them with whatever it may be; something with learning or even morale.” -Religious Program Spec. Orrin Bryant

“NAS Meridian has always had a great relationship with the town of Meridian and the counties of Lauderdale and Kemper and Marion, the city of Marion. So, it’s a great opportunity for us to take time to recognize people who aren’t just great at their job every day but really care about the family community atmosphere that this part of Mississippi has to offer.” -Capt. Hortsman