A Ghanaian urology technician and Sailor in the US Navy, Munzil Yakub has been adjudged the Sailor of the Year at the 43^rd Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Sailor of the Year (SOY) event.

Petty Officer 3^rd Class Munzil Yakub was recognized as one of WRNMMC‘s best Bluejacket of the Year.

A statement from WRNMMC Public Affairs office said “to be nominated for Sailor of the Year (SOY) each Sailor is assessed through various standards ranging from knowledge of command, Navy-wide programs and policies, personal excellence, and professional military appearance.”

Originally born in Ghana, West Africa, Yakubwent to the United States in 2009 and is currently a urology technician for the Urology Clinic at WRNMMC.

He was quoted as saying he joined the US Navy because he believed it would “be a great honor to serve in the World’s greatest Navy.”

A few of his daily duties include “assisting surgeons on daily surgical operations, equipment maintenance and quality control management, equipment calibration, and test performance and interpretation.”

In his personal time, the Sailor has taken on being the coordinator of a nonprofit entity that supports wounded warriors at the command.

Yakub is responsible for making the programs monthly schedules and also serves as one of the “ride leaders” for our adaptive cyclists and wounded service members.

Army Master Sgt. PeteloMikaele, Directorate Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL), said, “With integrity, compassion, and dedication, he (Yakub) consistently embodies the Navy Core Values and strives to promote them in every person he encounters. His commitment to his patients and peers far exceeds that of what I have ever seen at his level.  Greatly respected, he always strives to provide an environment that encourages each Sailor to maximize their potential.”

Yakub hopes to inspire younger Sailors and to one day be commissioned as an officer.

For those aspiring to become 2016 SOY, Yakub suggested Sailors “adhere to the Navy core values and find mentors to help shape up their aspirations.”

Yakub added the honor of the nomination, within such an “estimable hospital,” goes to his “fellow Sailors and Soldiers especially in the Urology Department.”

He states they played a pivotal role in his nomination and “I am here today due to their hard work because it gave me the opportunity to excel.”