Chief Yeoman (Select) Jasmyn L. Phinizy, a native of Lorain, Ohio, was recently selected as the Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year for 2021.

“It’s an honor to be recognized and chosen for such a prestigious award, from a group of such amazing Sailors,” said Chief Select Phinizy. “For me, transitioning from the active component to the Navy Reserve was difficult, but once I aligned myself with good leadership, I was able to thrive. Receiving this title gives me hope that no matter what platform you serve on or which rate you serve in, good leadership can get you far.”

Phinizy, currently in her 14th year in the Navy, is assigned to Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Jacksonville (REDCOM JAX) where she serves as the leading petty officer of the adaptive mobilization department, ensuring mobilization readiness throughout the Southeast region. Since mobilization readiness is the foremost priority of the Navy Reserve, it is imperative she guarantees mobilizers are trained and equipped to support the active component and complete the mission.

“Phinizy has consistently displayed sustained superior performance in her duties, distinguishing herself from her peers,” said Chief Yeoman Joseph Swain, also assigned to REDCOM JAX mobilization department. “Her command involvement represents her commitment to leading junior Sailors and facilitating personal and professional growth. REDCOM Jacksonville is proud of her monumental accomplishment.”

According to Phinizy, becoming competitive for Sailor of the Year required her to lean on the knowledge and experience of both her fellow Reserve Sailors and Training and Administion of Reserves (TAR) her active duty counterparts, while also remembering to bring her own unique, authentic perspective to the process.

“Find a mentor who cares about you,” said Phinizy. “Make sure they give you open and honest feedback and be yourself. You don’t get to this point by trying to imitate others. If you are yourself, you care, are motivated, and are knowledgeable it will show through.” The Sailor of the Year Program was established to recognize one Sailor a year who represents the Navy through their personal and professional characteristics. Once selected, the Sailor of the Year will be meritoriously promoted to chief petty officer.

“The next step for me is to continue to learn from my leadership and the Chief’s Mess on how to be an effective and supportive leader, and to pass that knowledge to as many Sailors as I can reach,” said Phinizy. “This entire process is still so surreal and hasn’t sunken in yet. You always hope that one day you will be selected as a chief petty officer, but for it to happen in front of the entire Navy Reserve force is the most humbling experience I have ever had."

Sailors are nominated for Sailor of the Year based on history of sustained superior performance, command impact, mission contribution, proven leadership, dedication to self-improvement, outstanding professionalism, and superior personal appearance. To those charged with vetting each candidate, Phinizy’s selection is both a reflection of her dedication to the Navy core values and proof of her readiness for advancement to chief petty officer.

“Competition at this level was fierce,” said Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, in his official RSOY announcement. “Each of our finalists represented their units, and the Navy, extremely well and should be very proud of their professional and personal achievements. Well done and congratulations to these stellar performers. You continue to raise the bar and inspire those who we expect to see in the coming years.”

Phinizy encouraged others hoping to follow in her footsteps to utilize the Sailor of the Year Program, and emphasized the vital importance of leaders at every level to consistently recognize the hard work of their Sailors

“As leaders, we should be our Sailors biggest advocates,” said Phinizy. “If you have Sailors that are performing above and beyond, please recognize them. For some Sailors, even the smallest amount of recognition can give them the motivation they need to keep pushing forward.”

The other finalists for Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year 2021 were Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class William J. Eisenhart, Navy Reserve Expeditionary Exploitation Unit (EXU) One, from Alexandria, Va.; Master-at-Arms 1st Class Nicholette A. Parrish, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) SEAL Team Eighteen, from Virginia Beach, Va.; Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Jessica M. Placek, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 56, from Suffolk, Va.; and, Utilitiesman 1st Class Kyle W. Werner, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Two Two, from Conroe, Texas.