Navy mechanic of Indian origin gets American Legion Award

Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class (AM2) Gaurav R. Patel has been selected to be the Navy's recipient of the prestigious American Legion Spirit of Service Award, according to San Diego Public Affairs Office of Navy News.
Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) Commanding Officer Capt. Fred Cleveland nominated Patel for the award, which honors one member from each of the services who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. Patel will accept his award during the American Legion's national conference in August in Reno, Nev.
"This is a special honor. I know this great Sailor will represent the many others in our Navy very well," Cleveland said.
"Petty Officer Patel's nomination package reads like a book on the american dream. Born and raised in India, came to the United States in 1996, joined the Navy in 2000 and became a citizen in 2003. His contributions to his country, Navy and community are just awesome and reflect greatly on his honor, courage and commitment. He is a well-deserving warrior who represents the best of what the Navy and America have to offer," said FRCSW Command Master Chief AFCM (AW) John Roberts.
The 25-year-old Sailor, an AIRSpeed Greenbelt, is team co-leader moving Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department's (AIMD) 500 division from Building 1451 to buildings 250 and 472 as part of the integration with AIMD.
Patel may also be found working on the FRCSW command retention and command equal opportunity teams. Or he may be assisting the command assessment team, the emergency reclamation team, or, as its team leader, he could be perfecting the precision movements of the 12-member command color guard. Or, as a last resort during working hours, he may be found leading a workout as the AIMD divisional physical readiness training coordinator.
Though committed to higher education and serving the San Diego community, Patel said his priority is the Navy. "My goal is to make it into an officer program. I love what I do, and I have everything with the Navy; so I hold myself to its highest standards," he said.
Oriris, his wife of nearly four years, is also in the Navy and currently attending Recruit Training at Naval Recruit Training Center Great Lakes, Ill.
02/08/07 INDOlink, US

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Categories: Foreign Aug 2007