Machinist Mate 2nd Class Christian Garcia

When most people are sleeping, Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Garcia is working to help others. He woke up at 4 a.m., rode his bicycle 10 miles (he was without a car), to voluntarily run a physical training program for his command to bring his shipmates within Navy physical fitness standards. And his colleagues say he works late hours and performs to the highest standards. Petty Officer Garcia "has been an inspiration to all who work with him, his pride in the uniform and professionalism in all areas makes him a pleasure to be around," according to one of his shipmates. Petty Officer Garcia has consistently ranked as one of the top three second-class petty officers in his command and has held several top collateral duties normally assigned to first-class petty officers. He graduated from the Navy's scuba diver school and is one of only three people in the entire command who are Navy divers. As a quality assurance inspector, he is ahead of nearly twenty more senior personnel. "He won the 2002 Fourth Quarter Submarine Squadron Seven junior mechanic award out of a possible 700 eligible sailors from seven subs in the squadron – that's GREAT stuff," said his former supervisor. He has volunteered to run the command's Navy relief fund drive and Combined Federal Campaign fund drive. On top of all of that, although he's a young sailor with five years experience, he still saves enough money to send some home to his sister to help her with school expenses.

"For a single guy who could be running around with other guys, he chooses to be mature and volunteer to help others. That's why he is assigned responsibilities associated with higher ranks," his supervisor wrote. "The unselfishness involved in the caring of and concern for others is not a part of his job, yet he does it when his regular job keeps him busy enough during a normal day." By showing his extraordinary commitment and leadership, Petty Officer Garcia sets an example for sailors everywhere.