WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	Connecticut submariner named "Sailor of Year" (Groton-WTNH) _ For the first time in ten years, a submariner is the Navy's 'Sailor of the Year'. The proud winner is assigned to a submarine stationed at the base in Groton, and even better he's a Connecticut native. News Channel 8's Peter Standring reports. Petty officer Manuel Meneses is usually busy keeping his boat ship-shape. Today though in addition to his normal duties the 34-year-old's talking about being chosen 'Sailor of the Year'. Manuel Meneses, "Sailor of the Year": "I like to go around and give the hoorah thing. I'm into the Navy. I enjoy what it's done for me, and I'm proud to serve my country in the Navy." This native of East Hartford has been serving in the Navy for 16 years, most recently aboard the USS San Juan. He says getting the award is the proudest moment of his career. Not only is it an honor it's also a huge achievement. All total there's about 130,000 sailors in the Atlantic Fleet who could've potentially won this award. Meneses was recognized by the Navy's top brass for his outstanding leadership pride and dedication. His command officer says he's one of a kind. Cmdr. John Barnhill, USS San Juan: "If we had five or six more of him on every ship, I wouldn't need to come to work, everything would just run by itself essentially." Petty officer Meneses believes his shipmates also deserve credit for running things around here. Still, he says everyone's been really supportive! Meneses: "Everybody's been pretty proud of me, on the boat and the entire base. "I run almost every day and people yell out their window 'good job, congratulations', so it feels good." Especially good, when you consider the promotion, raise, and new assignment that goes along with it. The message Meneses says is simple: "Be proud of what you're doing and work hard every day and you're gonna be a success no matter what you do." In this case it's a success that the entire state can enjoy. As a result of the award Meneses is being promoted in rank to Chief Petty Officer, and in July he'll be reassigned to shore-duty in Virginia. Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Connecticut submariner named "Sailor of Year"
(Groton-WTNH) _ For the first time in ten years, a submariner is the Navy's 'Sailor of the Year'. The proud winner is assigned to a submarine stationed at the base in Groton, and even better he's a Connecticut native.
News Channel 8's Peter Standring reports.

Petty officer Manuel Meneses is usually busy keeping his boat ship-shape. Today though in addition to his normal duties the 34-year-old's talking about being chosen 'Sailor of the Year'.

Manuel Meneses, "Sailor of the Year": "I like to go around and give the hoorah thing. I'm into the Navy. I enjoy what it's done for me, and I'm proud to serve my country in the Navy."

This native of East Hartford has been serving in the Navy for 16 years, most recently aboard the USS San Juan. He says getting the award is the proudest moment of his career. Not only is it an honor it's also a huge achievement. All total there's about 130,000 sailors in the Atlantic Fleet who could've potentially won this award.

Meneses was recognized by the Navy's top brass for his outstanding leadership pride and dedication. His command officer says he's one of a kind.

Cmdr. John Barnhill, USS San Juan: "If we had five or six more of him on every ship, I wouldn't need to come to work, everything would just run by itself essentially."

Petty officer Meneses believes his shipmates also deserve credit for running things around here. Still, he says everyone's been really supportive!

Meneses: "Everybody's been pretty proud of me, on the boat and the entire base.
"I run almost every day and people yell out their window 'good job, congratulations', so it feels good."

Especially good, when you consider the promotion, raise, and new assignment that goes along with it. The message Meneses says is simple:

"Be proud of what you're doing and work hard every day and you're gonna be a success no matter what you do."

In this case it's a success that the entire state can enjoy.

As a result of the award Meneses is being promoted in rank to Chief Petty Officer, and in July he'll be reassigned to shore-duty in Virginia.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.