RPC Rafael Barney

Married to Tatiana, expecting their first child; guardian to brother Tony, 15

Friends and fellow sailors say Chief Religious Program Specialist (SW/AW/FMF) Rafael Barney is full of compassion — when he sees someone in need, he’s there to help. Barney, 29, is a Big Brother to five teenagers. He recruited and trained 30 mentors last year to serve as role models to local immigrant students. And he mentors Naval Academy midshipmen.

“When Chief Barney extends himself to others, he does it with all his heart,” Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Martha Rodriguez, vice president of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Association of Naval Service Officers, wrote in her nominating letter. .

In his role as president of the Washington ANSO chapter, Barney has met with senior military officers, civilian executives and local Hispanic professionals, said 2010 Navy Times Coast Guardsman of the Year Lt. Cmdr. Richard Angelet. Barney also serves as leader of the chief of naval personnel’s Hispanic Employee Resources Group. “Chief Barney exemplifies the very core of the Navy’s values of honor, courage and commitment, and is a staunch champion of those less fortunate in his community,” Angelet wrote. .