The TRA is delighted to announce a great new annual program of which we can all be proud. Some of the sailors on our ship, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), do not have the resources to go home to visit their families, sometimes for years, for a variety of reasons. In cooperation with the Chiefs, we have designed a program we are calling Homeward Bound for the Holidays (HBH) to send sailors home, and these are the first three sailors chosen: EMFA Tenisha West, AZ3 Jackson Quinton, and IT3 Maya Rainwater.
When they were summoned to the Inport Cabin, hallowed ground on the ship, they had no idea why, and, understandably, were very nervous, especially when they saw Captain Sardiello, Command Master Chief Frederick, and TRA Liaison Melanie Bayless Veteto waiting for them. Scary brass and civilians. They were delighted, and no doubt relieved, when they learned that they were there not for some major lapse but to receive our award. A very touching moment. See the photo below and the bios of the three. We have done a great thing for our service personnel and wish them most happy holidays.
From Left to Right:
EMFA Tenisha West is a native of Oklahoma. She graduated from Del City High School in May 2017 . During this time, she excelled in track and field and an active member of the school marching band. She joined the Navy through a delayed entry program. Her primary goal is to get a Degree in Criminal Justice using the GI Bill. In September 11, 2017, she reported to Recruit Training Command. She also attended Apprentice Technical Training School and Electrician Mate A school. In May 7, 2018, she reported onboard CVN 71 where she quickly became one of the rising superstar in Electrical Division. During her off time she loves cooking, binge watching Netflix shows and reading books.
AZ3 Quinton Jackson joined the Navy in June 2016 from his hometown of Savannah, Georgia. After completing basic training at RTC in Great Lakes, IL he graduated from AZ “A” School in Meridian Mississippi. AZ3 Jackson reported to the THEODORE ROOSEVELT in October of 2016, where he has qualified as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist and has also completed two FSA tours in the CPO Mess where his claim to fame is that he makes the best coffee. His favorite thing about the Navy so far is the people; whether it is meeting them, training them, or learning from them. He is married to Shaquanna Jackson and together they have a six-month old daughter, Sebeiyah.
IT3 Maya Rainwater was born and raised in Decatur, GA. She is the daughter of Angel Johnson and Kevin Rainwater. She attended Southwest DeKalb High school where she participated in NJROTC, Soccer, Concert band, and Marching Band. In May of 2016 she graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School.
Shortly after High school she enlisted in the United States Navy. On February 20, 2017 she left for Basic training at RTC Great Lakes. After basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois, she attended IT “A” school. She was promoted to the rank of Petty officer Third Class in October 2017. After the Completion of IT “A” School she attended IT “C” school to become a System Administrator.
IT3 Rainwater reported to San, Diego California attached to CVN 71 the USS Theodore Roosevelt where she is currently serving as CS3 Helpdesk Technician.