Everyday Hero Award Recipients

2025

UT2 (SCW/EXW) Robert L. Keene III

For exhibiting outstanding moral courage in support of the traditions and legacy of the Seabees while serving with U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE. Petty officer Keene displayed exceptional courage, leadership, and selflessness when he responded to a vehicle accident outside Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme.  Without hesitation he took control of the scene directing civilian and military personnel in the safe extraction of two injured civilians from an overturned vehicle.  He quickly retrieved a first aid kit, evaluated a third passenger for trauma, and rendered critical care to the civilian with severe facial injuries trapped inside the vehicle.  His quick thinking, composure, and decisive actions stabilized the patient until emergency medical service personnel arrived on scene, preserving life and facilitating the seamless transition of care to medical providers.  He demonstrated the Seabee “Can-Do” spirit, the Navy’s core values and our commitment to the local community.

2024

CM1(SCW/EXW) Christopher D. Thorp

Presented by by the U.S Ambassador to Senegal.

For exhibiting outstanding moral courage in support of the traditions and legacy of the Seabees while serving as the Africa region lead technician at naval support unit, department of state from 1 October to 30 September 2024. CM1 Thorp hosted a monthly initiative called “sip and stitch” at his residence, where volunteers crafted reusable feminine hygiene products. These were distributed to several charitable causes including to rural schools in Senegal’s Tilene and Sindia districts and were packaged with other toiletries and comprehensive usage instructions to ensure discreet distribution. His distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit on him and contributed significantly to perpetuating the Seabee legacy.

2023

SW1 (SCW/EXW/SW/AW) Cayla N. George

SW1 Cayla N. George was awarded the SMSA Everyday Hero Award for exhibiting outstanding moral courage in support of the traditions and legacy of the Seabees while serving public works department Sigonella, Italy. On 11 February 2023, Petty Officer George demonstrated exceptional gallantry when she instantly sprang into action after receiving a call from an unknown number about a possible suicide attempt in the barracks. She immediately called emergency services and directed sailors closest to the service member’s room to provide immediate support, ultimately saving the sailor’s life. Her unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit on her and contributed significantly to perpetuating the Seabee legacy.

2022

UT1(SCW/EXW) Jalesa M. Thomas

For exhibiting outstanding moral courage in support of the traditions and legacy of the Seabees, without hesitation, Petty Officer Thomas offered care for the young child of a fellow service member struggling to find childcare while deployed. Over six months, she provided a loving home and quality of life while ensuring all of his needs were met and communicating with his family. Additionally, working with the “forever found” organization, she served as a member of the “responding to exploited adolescents with care and hope” (R.E.A.C.H.) team and as a youth mentor providing critical support for children in the community who are high-risk or victims of trafficking.

2021

CE1(SCW/EXW) Aaron Trotter

The 2012 Everyday Hero recipient is Construction Electrician First Class, Seabee Combat Warfare and Expeditionary Warfare qualified, Aaron Trotter from Naval Special Warfare Group ONE – Logistics Support Unit.

Aaron selflessly devoted over 120 hours supporting the Youth Assistance Coalition in San Diego, CA. The organization’s mission is to assist local youths in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Directly impacting the lives of 1,850 minors, his extraordinary efforts included providing meals, water, mentoring, and outreach. Aaron identified potential programs that best suited the unique scenario of each at-risk youth. Aaron’s logistical coordination talents were instrumental in providing transportation for legal representation, educational opportunities, and assistance to reintegrate into society. Aaron’s dedication to the youth of San Diego living without shelter and the necessary resources required for a healthy lifestyle clearly went beyond the normal and had an immeasurable impact on the population of southern California.

2019

EO2 Joseph E. Wiese

Petty Officer Wiese dedicated his off-duty time as a local volunteer firefighter in Roby Missouri.  During this time, he responded to 81 emergency calls ranging from EMT support, the setup of 24-life flight landing zones in a very rural community, and support on numerous large structure and brush fires.  His dedication to the community was evident as he was promoted to volunteer station chief.

Petty Officer Wiese utilized his Navy training to help provide over 290 hours of training to 25 volunteer firefighters, including training on land navigation to help other volunteers understand how to properly set-up search grids. He also provided volunteer maintenance on equipment and gear, keeping the fire department’s older equipment operational.  Through his actions, the department was able to secure several newer fire trucks donated from fire departments across the nation, enabling his department to improved the quality of support that they provided to the local community. His initiative and service has earned him the title of “everyday hero” in Roby, Missouri.

2017

LTCDR Brad G. Coleman, CEC, USN & LT Andrew B. Roley, CEC, USN

On 3 February 2017, Lieutenant Commander Coleman and Lieutenant Foley were first on the scene of a severe traffic accident and stopped without hesitation to immediately assist in the extraction of three children involved from an exceptionally damaged vehicle. Upon extraction, they quickly utilized the skills learned and honed as a part of their Seabee training and experience by administering lifesaving first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation that ultimately resulted in the survival of two children.

Their actions that afternoon clearly went above and beyond the call of duty, represent the finest qualities of our uniformed service members in the Pacific, and embody the attributes outlined in the SMSA’s Everyday Hero Award.

2016

SWCS/DV Jesse Hamblin, USN

During a deployment to Pearl Harbor, Steelworker Chief Jesse D. Hamblin witnessed a tragedy involving a civilian helicopter that crashed into the water near the USS Arizona memorial.

Without hesitation, Hamblin dove into the water and swam to the crash site. Upon realizing that a young boy was trapped underwater, Hamblin dove down to the wreckage. Once he reached the helicopter, he realized that a young boy, Riley Dobson was trapped inside, held in place by his life jacket. Undaunted and unrelenting, Chief Hamblin used a knife to deflate the life jacket and cut the boy free. Chief Hamblin guided him to shore where emergency responders were standing by to assist further.

Hamblin’s response to this crisis epitomizes the Seabee motto “With Compassion for Others, We Build, We Fight for Peace with Freedom.” In recognition of his quick and selfless response and his clear demonstration of bravery under incredibly dangerous circumstances, the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association is honored to present the 2016 Everyday Hero Award to Steelworker Chief Jesse D. Hamblin.