Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Ruben Loya

While a search-and-rescue instructor with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3 in 2014, Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (NAC/AW/EXW) Ruben Loya founded the unit's first Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions program and recruited members for a variety of community outreach programs. One of the most successful was the re-launch of the unit's blood drive, which Loya expanded to cover multiple commands, often recounting the very personal reason for his efforts: His daughter, a cancer survivor, needed blood on two occasions during her treatment only to find that none was available.

Out of uniform, Loya raised $1,000 and drew local media attention by walking about 115 miles while carrying an 80-pound cross - the second year he'd performed such a feat in the name of raising awareness for childhood cancer prevention under the Carry Their Cross banner. He plans another trek later this year.

Loya is also the force behind CTC Superhero, which sends volunteers in masks and capes to brighten the mood of the people he calls "the real superheroes" - young cancer patients - at hospitals and fundraising events. Loya himself regularly dons a $600 Spider-Man costume.

Notable quote from his nomination: "'Inspiration' is but a small word for what this man has brought to the year 2014."