JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Sailor of the Quarter, an honor that is traditionally bestowed upon a first class petty officer, was awarded to Naval Health Clinic Charleston's go-to Sailor, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Andrew Hammond for the fourth quarter, 2010.
"HM2 Hammond was nominated and selected for Sailor of the Quarter because he is a prime example of what the Navy expects from its petty officers," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Dale Oliver, leading petty officer of the pharmacy. "He sets an amazing example for junior Sailors by his work performance, collateral duties, volunteer efforts and education. He strives to do his best not only for the pharmacy but for the command and the Navy."
HM2 Hammond is the assistant leading petty officer and supply officer for the NHCC pharmacy, one of the busiest departments at the clinic, dealing with hundreds of patients and millions of dollars in inventory each day. He is also a dedicated member of the command color guard.
"I do what needs to be done to see the job through," he said. "My day-to-day job is supervising six military technicians, coordinating a duty schedule for those technicians and filling prescriptions for patients. I'm typically near the windows ensuring everything is going smoothly."
As the supply officer, HM2 is responsible for ensuring the pharmacy has enough medications on hand to supply patients while staying within the Navy's budget every fiscal year.
"The pharmacy has a $9 million budget this year for pharmaceuticals and equipment," said HM2 Hammond. "This past fall when NHCC relocated, I was responsible for ordering all the pharmaceuticals and equipment needed for standing up the pharmacy and ensuring it was capable of full and proper operation."
HM2 Hammond makes a point to mentor junior Sailors at the clinic ensuring Sailors are up to date on new instructions and personal and professional development.
"He is definitely a leader," HM1 Oliver explained. "He displays his leadership skills by making sure his leadership toolbox is full and encourages junior Sailors to continuously work on their own toolboxes.
"If young Sailors need guidance on their uniforms or in their personal life, HM2 Hammond is available for them, just as a first class petty officer would be. He is already a strong leader, and I think that's what makes him shine."
For HM2 Hammond, a key element of Navy leadership is mentoring and guiding junior Sailors down the correct path in order to help them avoid stumbling over the same obstacles he once tripped on.
"I have tons of life experience to share, whether it is professional or personal," said HM2 Hammond. "I don't want to see junior Sailors make the same career or personal mistakes I have made because they are the future of the Navy. I want them to better themselves by advancing and by having their personal lives squared away to avoid distractions for their career."