Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Paul Marticorena of NAS North Island's Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3 has been named the 2013 Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year (RSOY), according to Navy Reserve Forces Command Public Affairs.
Vice Adm. Robin R. Braun, the Chief of the Navy Reserve, chose Marticorena out of five finalists at a Washington D.C. ceremony held last week. Braun told Marticorena and his fellow reservists:
"You are not just Sailors, you are Reserve Sailors with responsibilities beyond the Navy. Yet, somehow, you make it all work family, civilian career, and Navy...
"You and your families give up one of your most important assets and that is your time. A mere thank you doesn't seem enough, but please know the impact you and your shipmates have on the Navy's mission."
The Navy will also meritoriously advance Marticorena to chief petty officer later this year.
Marticorena is a California native, having grown up in Simi Valley, according to his Facebook page. He joined in the Navy in 1997, and became a Navy reservist in 2006.
He lives in San Diego with his wife and children.
