Mother and Son Navy Veterans Choose the College of Public Health

Sharon Smith and Chris Brown, both veterans of the United States Navy, have chosen to continue their education in the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health.  Sharon Smith is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a Health Administration concentration while her son, Chris Brown, has chosen a Health Sciences major with a concentration in Microbiology and a minor in Psychology.

Sharon Smith enlisted in the US Navy when she was 21 years old and remained on active duty for 20 years.  She was stationed on a submarine tender, a destroyer tender, two aircraft carriers, and a destroyer. She was stationed overseas twice; the first time in Naples, Italy where Chris was born.   The second overseas tour occurred in Atsugi, Japan, just outside of Tokyo.  Her children accompanied her while at Atsugi where they had the opportunity to be exposed to the Japanese culture.

She considers her most rewarding duty onboard the USS Carl Vinson stationed out of Bremerton, Washington. She learned a great deal about quality leadership at this duty station, as well as how to be a good leader. Her job description while in the Navy was primarily Culinary Specialist although she was assigned to a military police position for three years in Jacksonville, Florida.

“Thank you for your recognition of my military service,” stated Sharon, “though I do not consider it anything extraordinary.”  With the help of the GI Bill, she is now able to afford to go to college—something she couldn’t do upon graduation from high school.

Sharon chose public health because she enjoys health administration and the factual, investigative approach to health care.  In a class taught in the College, she had to research her dream career.  She realized she enjoys facts, thinking on her feet, and looking for patterns in problems in order to solve them—all factors that are essential in Public Health.

Her son, Chris, joined the Navy in 2011.  He served as a cryptology technician petty officer aboard the USS Dewert and Roosevelt and employing radar interception and missile defense in order to protect his ships from enemy attack. 

He was deployed for two and a half years which included conducting counter piracy and anti-terrorist operations, providing maritime support, and strengthening international relations.  When he returned to the United States, Chris preformed duties in shore security, damage control, and emergency medicine. 

After finishing his undergraduate career, Chris plans to pursue a medical degree focused on medical pathology.  He chose microbiology and psychology because they best fit with his graduate school plans.  He also became qualified in advance first aid and enjoyed his training in mass casualty medical response. 

“To learn from past mistakes is wisdom,” said Chris.  “But to dwell on them is foolishness.”