From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. – A 2006 graduate of Thomas Walter Josey Comprehensive High School and Augusta, Georgia native was announced as a 2019 Military Instructor of the Year (MIOY) finalist in the mid-grade enlisted category for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) at a ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Jan. 23.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler) 1st Class Keyonnia V. Cook serves as an instructor at Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida, where she successfully led nine instructors in the delivery of more than 4,300 high-risk training hours to over 285 fleet Sailors on aircraft firefighting, and rescue and salvage procedures.

“Serving as an ABH [aviation boatswain’s mate (handler)] ‘A’ and ‘C’ School instructor allows me to play a vital role in the academic success, leadership enhancement, and personal development of Sailors,” said Cook.

Cook was one of 10 Sailors who competed for the title of NETC MIOY, representing the top achievers from a pool of more than 8,000 military members in MyNavy HR Force Development that spans recruiting and training Sailors in an increasingly competitive talent market. She received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her achievements.

“My personal philosophy is that ‘A great instructor must consistently be a great learner’,” said Cook. “Being in a position to shape projected fleet Sailors inspires me to learn strategies and techniques to reach each student. I only hope that my practices in teaching has a lifelong impact in supporting the current and future success of each student I have encountered.”

Cook is part of the team that takes Sailors from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat-ready warfighters, as well as providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

NETC Commander Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad congratulated the finalists for their roles in developing the Navy’s future force and for their contributions to the training and education mission.

“As we recognize the outstanding contributions of these individuals, it is also fitting to reflect upon the critical role each of them plays in support of Fleet readiness,” said Cozad. “Your hard work and professionalism

produce the best Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen in the world. I truly appreciate your personal commitment in meeting the continuous and evolving needs of our Navy and Marine Corps team.”

Cook has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida.

Cook is also qualified as a master training specialist, which is a designation for demonstrating highly effective teaching skills and a comprehensive understanding of schoolhouse management, as well as for taking a leadership role in mentoring, instructing and evaluating instructors and curriculum.

“These outstanding Sailors and Marines were selected from an extremely talented field of candidates who epitomize the honor, courage, and commitment of military personnel throughout MyNavy HR Force Development,” said NETC Force Master Chief Karim Cole.

Cook is the daughter of Antonio Clark and Richardine Scruggs of Augusta, Georgia.

The NETC MIOY program recognize Sailors throughout the NETC domain who exhibit attributes, such as sustained superior performance, leadership, mentorship, knowledge and teaching of military history and heritage, self-improvement, command and community involvement, and exemplary military bearing.

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For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil or https://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/netcpao.

Article provided by Navy Office of Community Outreach