Bowie native named 2023 Sailor of the Year for Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command
By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Maryland 2024 - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jewel Relador, a native of Bowie, Maryland, was recently named Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command (NMCFHPC) 2023 Sailor of the Year serving with Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit Five (NEPMU-5).
Relador's outstanding leadership, work ethic and superior performance while serving as a preventive medicine technician with NEPMU-5, led to her selection as 2023 Sailor of the Year.
Relador is a 2013 graduate of Charles H. Flowers High School. Additionally, Relador graduated in 2019 from Hawaii Pacific University with an associate's degree and from Uniformed Services University in 2021 with a bachelor's.
Relador joined the Navy 6 years ago.
"I wanted to become independent by sending myself to school, getting a job and traveling the world at the same time," said Relador.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bowie.
"Emigrating from the Philippines to the United States in 2007, I learned from my mom who worked hard all her life to provide us better opportunities in life, that hard work and competence will take you far in life and to places you've never dreamed of going," said Relador. "You just have to be prepared when the opportunity presents itself. I learned that I am where I am because someone like my mom set me up for success. I make sure to remember that as I progress in my life and career in the Navy. I always remember where I came from, so I don't lose sight of where I'm going."
Today, Relador serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for assisting healthcare professionals in providing medical and dental care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.
"My favorite part of my job is my schedule is never boring," said Relador. "I get to do different things within the public health realm. For example, I do food inspections, water surveillance, vector control, shipboard inspections, teach classes; and it doesn't end there. Overall, I get to leave my desk, do hands-on work, offer my expertise to all types of people, exchange knowledge and build connections in and out of my work area. I'm never in my comfort zone. I'm always developing in my craft."
Located in Portsmouth, Virginia, NMCPHC is the Navy’s go-to resource for providing instrumental guidance on public health-related issues with programs that directly impact the mission readiness of U.S. Navy and military personnel at home and around the globe.
NEPMU-5 offers education and training, laboratory services, operational support, and public health and surveillance to Operational Forces and Navy Medical Commands within the Pacific region.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Relador serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the Nation's prosperity and security.
"We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American People every day," said Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. "Together we will deliver the Navy the Nation needs."
Relador has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment is representing NEPMU-5 as Sailor of the Year for Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command," said Relador. "The journey is more significant to me than the reward itself. I am also proud that I have found my voice within the service and have been able to reach out to my peers and juniors to help them achieve their personal and professional goals."
As Relador and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"For life to be worth living, I firmly believe a person has to be a part of something bigger than themselves," said Relador. "Serving in the Navy is my life's contribution to serve others and my country."
"I'm currently deployed as an individual augmentee at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, assigned to Expeditionary Medical Facility in support of 5,500 personnel of joint services and civilian contractors," added Relador. "I am currently working on my Master of Public Health while deployed."
