Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Quarterly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security
Issue link: https://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/386902
Sector Jacksonville REPOY embodies spirit of serving others Story and photos by PA3 Jourdin Bego, 7th District Reserve Public Affairs Team He spends weekdays managing his own landscaping company and weekends patrolling the waterways surrounding Jacksonville, Florida. Those are only two reasons why Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Walker is described as a dedicated and talented Coast Guard reservist. Colleagues highlight his character saying Walker's recent award is well deserved. Once selected as Sector Jacksonville's Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year, Walker, 23, a Coast Guard maritime enforcement specialist, lost no time expressing his gratitude. According to colleagues that trait captures the essence of their shipmate, a Coast Guard reservist for four years. "Walker's most noteworthy values are devotion to duty and loyalty," said Chief Petty Officer Steve Zukowsky, his supervisor. "He is always available when there is a mission and you don't have to ask him twice whenever a volunteer is needed." Walker juggles a busy schedule. The Green Cove Springs, Florida, native completed the Coast Guard Leadership and Management School in January. This summer he plans to attend the Coast Guard's Boarding Officer Practical Course in Charleston, South Carolina. Next fall, Walker will complete his bachelor's degree at the University of Florida, with a major in finance, and a minor and certification in entomology. Walker has been known to dig beneath the surface to solve a problem - both literally and figuratively. That characteristic has been a bonus in both his civilian job and his Reserve assignment to Sector Jacksonville. In addition to working and studying diligently, Walker can be found improving his physical fitness by attending cross fit classes four times a week. He also enjoys traveling across the country. His last trip began in Jacksonville and continued to Wyoming, and back. This year Walker plans to enjoy a long car ride to explore Washington, Oregon, and California, the three coastal western states. As Walker discusses his Reserve assignment he says his passion for law enforcement developed when he was a teen. Enrolled at the Academy of Law and Emergency Services at Clay High School in Green Cove Springs, the program gave Walker the opportunity to fire pistols, tour jails, attend court room hearings, and learn a range of defensive tactics at a young age. He says the experience was central to his longstanding interest in law enforcement. As a child Walker grew up interacting with the Coast Guard while boating with his family, so his interest evolved naturally. Those experiences helped fuel his motivation, inspiring him to join the Coast Guard and serve his country. He also enjoys mentoring junior members. "Sharing the knowledge I have learned throughout my time in the Coast Guard is without a doubt, my favorite aspect of maritime enforcement," he said. "Petty Officer Walker's diverse civilian background has contributed not only to making him a better person individually, but also a well-rounded service member and asset to the Coast Guard Reserve," said Zukowsky. "He has been a model reservist. He is mindful and respectful of Coast Guard traditions and takes the time to mentor juniors in his unit." That's why colleagues say they're proud of their shipmate, Sector Jacksonville's 2013 Reserve Petty Officer of the Year. � aBoVe: Me2 Joseph Walker prepares to fre a rife at the range in Kings Bay, ga., March 8. BeLoW: Me2 Joseph Walker fres a pistol and qualifes at the range in Kings Bay, ga., March Issue 3 • 2014 � RESERVIST 33