BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOR 22-year old Jahlyn Freedom Browne, determination and drive for success in her life has propelled her towards pursuing a military career.
Browne, who hails from Phillip’s Village in St. Kitts, underwent training in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands to attain the rank of a Squared-Away Sailor in the Aviation Boatswains Mate Aircraft Handler field.
On December, 3, 2012, Browne enlisted in the Navy of the US Virgin Islands and on January, 29, 2013 she entered Boot Camp in Chicago, Illinois for two months for further training.
As gathered, Browne researched Boot Camp videos on YouTube to aid her mentally in preparing for the rigorous training.
“The experience throughout Boot Camp was what I expected. One just has to be open, obedient and respectful and you will be successful.”
She successfully graduated from Boot Camp on March 29, 2013 then went on to 'A' School in Pensacola, Florida with an assigned job post as an ABH (Aviation Boatswain Handler), where she received an Honor Student Award for being top of the class which was presented to her on May 31, 2013 .
“I was extremely overwhelmed and happy, because the first day I got to ‘A’ School, I set a goal saying to myself and others that I wanted to be an Honor Student. And the day came when God blessed me which such happiness.”
Browne continued: “God was with me! I realised how powerful my strength was when I made it. Nothing can be difficult once there is faith and positivity. My plans are to be an overall Squared-Away Sailor, get qualified in the fleet for my present job, receive good evaluations and keep the success going by getting more advancement for now.”
Browne is the daughter of Ras Gerzel Pet Mills and Willis Browne.
She has conveyed words of gratitude and appreciation for the support and encouragement received and continues to receive from her family members and other well-wishers.
“I wish to express words of appreciation first of all to the most precious woman who gave birth to me. To my father and step-mom who gave me the advantage that opened me up to a lot of opportunities, and mostly to my grandmother (Fenella Browne) and also by the help of my aunts (Denise and Vincia), who nurtured, taught, protected and overall made me who I am until this day. I am very thankful. Furthermore, God did it all!”
Additionally, Browne expressed thanks to her recruiter (Richardson Lewis) who molded her and with his inspirational thoughts and day to day life experiences prepared and gave her the drive which enabled her to achieve her goal.
She gives a special thank you to her aunt (Ocelda Douglas) “who actually introduced me to the idea about joining the military. At first I had second thoughts but to this day I thank both her and my grandmother for their encouragement”.
Browne wishes to share this quote with the public: “Success will come and go but integrity is forever. Hence, integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching. Leadership is power.”
