Independence’s Sailor and Petty Officer for the month of October were recently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) in Wardroom II Lounge. Mess Management Specialist Seaman (SW) Derrick Cooper, a native of Galveston, Texas and Aviation Electronics Technician Second Class (AW/SW) George Zintak, from Chicago, Ill. were awarded the honor of Sailor and Petty Officer of the Month, respectively.
Cooper and Zintak both reported on board together in June of 1995. Cooper works in S-2 Cargo where he distributes food from the storerooms to the messdecks. "He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever encountered," said MSC(AW) Danilo David of Manila, Philippines. "Cooper’s not afraid of taking on responsibilities that would normally be handled by a Petty Officer."
Cooper received his first NAM in March of this year when his storeroom was named the storeroom of the month. His near term future goal is to achieve the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer.
Zintak is the Workcenter Supervisor for the Photo Reconnaissance shop were he repairs cameras from aircraft in Carrier Airwing FIVE. "He’s an extremely motivated Sailor," said AT1(AW) Mark Puttkammer, acting branch chief also from Chicago, Ill. "Zintak is career oriented and is an expert in his rate."
Zintak aspires to become a commissioned officer. His hopes are set on becoming a Limited Duty Officer once he’s a First Class Petty Officer.
Cooper was chosen best of 1,200 Sailors, while Zintak was selected from 400 Petty Officers who were eligible to be named Sailor and Petty Officer of the Month.
Photo Captions:
AT2(AW/SW) George Zintak, Petty Officer of the Month, fixes a camera from an F/A-Hornet.
MSSN(SW) Derrick Cooper, Sailor of the Month, helps break out food for all messdecks on board Indy.