SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Samantha Weiss, a native of Kearney, Nebraska, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base San Diego, California.
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nadia James, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Weiss graduated from Wilcox-Hildreth High School in 2003.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kearney.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic,” Weiss said. “Before the Navy, I was a cosmetologist working long hours and providing customer service. This taught me how to work as a team and how to have good, effective communication. We can’t get anywhere in the Navy without teamwork and effective communication. Part of the reason I chose my job as a retail services specialist is because I like working with people. Good customer service can set the tone for your day.”
Weiss joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Weiss serves as a retail services specialist.
“My grandfather, Floyd Schippert, proudly served in the Navy for five years at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,” Weiss said. “He has always been my inspiration. He showed what hard work and dedication truly meant. Additionally, I joined for the betterment of my family. I was married with one child and was working hard to make ends meet. The Navy gave me the opportunity to give them a better and more stable lifestyle. We could also travel and explore the world together.”
Naval Base San Diego is the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet, supporting more than 60 combatant and auxiliary surface ships and more than 200 shore commands. The total base population is roughly 55,000, including 31,000 military personnel and 23,000 civilians.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Weiss has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is making the rank of petty officer first class,” Weiss said. “With hard work, studying and wonderful mentorship, it has truly shown me what it means to make rank and what it stands for. It gives me the opportunity to show my children the importance of leading, listening, and showing young sailors how to grow and be better leaders themselves. I also wanted to show my children that they can do anything they set their minds to. Nothing in the world can stop them.”
Weiss serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“To me, serving in the Navy means a better life for my children,” Weiss said. “It also means having a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It is more than traveling the world, which is a blessing. It’s knowing that I am making a life sacrifice to show my children that anything is possible. I want to inspire my children to reach for the stars, even if it is hard. The Navy is challenging, but it has blessed my family in so many ways.”
Weiss is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my kids, Alexander Schippert and Ariel Travis,” Weiss added. “They are my rock, and they are the reason I do this every day. I would also like to thank my parents, Mark and Trish Schippert, for their love and support throughout this life choice that I made. They have always shown up for me, no matter the case, and I couldn’t do what I do today without them. Lastly, I would like to thank my grandmother, Nancy Shippert, for her undying love and support. She has always stood in my corner and given me the best advice and praise.”
