Sailor of the Quarter hails from area

Camille Lawson

U.S. Navy

Petty Officer 2nd Class Camille Lawson was recently selected as Sailor of the Quarter (SOQ) for Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command Detachment Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity Yorktown (NMRLC DET NORA Yorktown). Lawson’s father lives in Weatherford. 

The Navy’s Sailor of the Quarter program recognizes sailors for outstanding character, dedication, and going above and beyond their duties.

Lawson earned an associate and bachelor’s degree in health science from Purdue University and plans to pursue a career in the dental field in the future.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found during Lawson’s childhood. 

“Growing up in a small town and having so many members of my family in the service, I already had a strong work ethic and moral compass,” Lawson said. “I learned the importance of a strong work ethic from a young age, and also how much it means to those around you when you stand by their side and support them and fight for them. I’ve carried that with me throughout my career.”

Lawson joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Lawson serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.

“I grew up in a military family,” Lawson said. “My father is a Marine, and my grandfather was in the Army and Air Force. I also had a stepfather who was in the Army. However, I am the first in my family to join the Navy, and I did it because I liked the proud history of the corpsman rate and wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

Headed by Capt. Christopher Barnes, NMRLC develops, acquires, produces, fields, sustains, and provides enduring lifecycle support of medical materiel solutions to the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and Joint Forces in high-end competition, crisis, and combat. At the forefront of Navy Medicine’s strategic evolution, NMRLC is well-positioned to be the Joint Force’s premier integrated medical logistics support activity.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Lawson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world, and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

Lawson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I have had a lot of big moments in my career, from meeting Michelle Obama to escorting Retired Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, but I think some of my proudest moments have been helping my sailors grow and succeed,” Lawson said. “I am proud of guiding them through their careers and helping them navigate issues in their personal life. Another big one that will stick with me forever is when I got my first coin. I received it from Harvey C. Barnum, who was the fourth Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in Vietnam.”

As Lawson and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Helping others has always been something I’m passionate about, and being an optician has given me that chance time and time again,” Lawson said. “Providing our service members with ‘the sight to fight’ has been a privilege. While it was an unexpected career path, I have truly enjoyed it.”

Lawson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“My grandma always supported me and cheered me on, no matter how big or small something was,” Lawson added. “She shared my joy with me and held me up when things weren’t going so great. I know she’s looking after me even though she’s no longer here. Both my father and grandfather have also been major supporters throughout my career and have helped shape me into the sailor and leader I am today.”