Jessica Roach, United States Navy E3 airman, receives the Military Order of World Wars Award of Merit from command master chief Chris Angstead during her March 8 graduation ceremony from naval boot camp at the Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. In a class of over 800 recruits, Roach was one of only six recruits distinguished with an award.
Her parents are Brian and Brenda Roach of Rosendale. The 2011 graduate of Rondout Valley High School is also the granddaughter of Kenneth and Gladys Brooker of New Paltz, and Audrey Roach and the late Thomas Roach, former Ulster County Legislature chairman and county social services commissioner.
Jessica Roach was cited for demonstrating exceptional professionalism, maturity, integrity and leadership during her naval recruitment training. The honor recognized her for exceptional tenacity, insight, motivation, and leadership beyond those expected of a recruit trainee.
Roach, who successfully completed her boot camp training in March, is now attending the naval aviation technical training center at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida.
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