MC1 Jennifer A. Villalovos Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West meets with Sailors before the 95th Navy Reserve Anniversary and Reenlistment ceremony at the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building. During the ceremony 95 Navy Reservists reenlisted.

They represented all 50 states, including Guam and Puerto Rico.

“I really wanted to be a part of what it means to be a Reservist,“ said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Kaileif Mitchell of Laconia, N.H. “When I enlisted post 9-11, it was to be available as necessary when the Navy needs me.“

Of the 95 reenlisting Sailors, each one had a different reason for their continued service. Personnel Specialist 1st Class Ayunna Jones of Shreveport, La., said, “I've been in for 11 and a half years. The Navy's been good to me, so I decided to reenlist for 6 years.“

The commemoration events concluded at the Navy Memorial with a ceremony recognizing the critical link between civilian employers, families and Navy Reservists. President and chief executive officer of American Standard Brands Donald C. Devine signed a statement of support for the Guard and Reserve and received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Seven Seals Award. The ESGR Seven Seals Award is symbolic of the seven services that comprise the Reserve components and is intended for individuals and organizations whose actions confirm their support to the National Guard and Reserve.

“I am deeply honored to sign this Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on behalf of American Standard Brands,“ Devine said. “It is important to provide service members peace of mind in knowing their jobs will be waiting for them upon their return to civilian life after they have served our country. At American Standard, we see it as our duty to provide pay and benefit protections for our employees called into active service. Our policies are designed to recognize the critically important contributions these employees are making on behalf of all Americans and to do as much as we can to lessen the financial hardship on them and their families.“

Navy Reserve ombudsmen were recognized for their support of Sailors and their families. Ombudsmen are volunteers who provide outreach, resource referral, information and advocacy to and for families. They promote “Ready Now“ Reservists by connecting the commands and the families. Shana Bender, Vicky Camp and Misty Grizzle-Billheimer were recognized for their support of more than 900 Sailors and their families.

During the ceremony, five Reservists received awards earned during recent mobilizations. Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class (EXW) Jullian M. Willis was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Randy Herbert was awarded the Army Corps Achievement Medal, Operational Specialist 1st Class Marcus Marquez was awarded the Army Corps Commendation Medal and Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) 1st Class Brent Johnston and Ensign Patrick Melim received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.