JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Naval Medical Forces Development Command (NMFDC) announced the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Region Sailor of the Year (SOY) during an all-hands ceremony at the headquarters building, March 26, 2026.

The NMFDC region SOY finalists were Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Samuel Atuahene, from Navy Medicine Operational Training Command, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tyllus Charles, from Naval Medial Leader and Professional Development Command, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Alisha Rogers, from Navy Medicine Training Support Command (NMTSC).

During their visit, the finalists participated in professional development activities with region command master chiefs and toured historical sites in San Antonio before the culminating recognition ceremony.

Rogers was ultimately selected as the NMFDC Region SOY for 2025. As the leading petty officer for the Officer Programs division at NMTSC, Rogers is responsible for providing academic support to instructors and students including daily accountability, recall, tracking of service-specific correspondence, readiness and requirements for five programs.

Rear Adm. Walter Brafford, left, commander, Naval Medical Forces Development Command (NMFDC), and Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Charles Padilla, NMFDC's acting command master chief, present Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Alisha Rogers, center, with a gift in recognition of her selection as the fiscal year 2025 region Senior Sailor of the Year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shayla D. Hamilton)

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Rear Adm. Walter Brafford, commander, Naval Medical Forces Development Command, greets region Sailor of the Year finalists, March 24, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shayla D. Hamilton)

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“It has been a profound honor to represent NMTSC and NMFDC,” said Rogers. “Being selected as Sailor of the Year at both levels is a direct reflection of exceptional leadership. These leaders see beyond where Sailors stand today, recognize their potential, and are committed to developing it. Their investment has shaped not only my success, but also my drive to lead and mentor others the same way.”

Rogers, an Indiana native, reported to NMTSC in August of 2023 and, in addition to her primary duties, serves as assistant command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor, and special pays coordinator.

“The Sailor of the Year program showcases the highest caliber of enlisted leadership, and these finalists are a direct reflection of that,” said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Charles Padilla, NMFDC’s acting command master chief. “They are the expert medical professionals we forge to ensure the readiness and lethality of our naval forces. Their dedication is a strategic advantage that directly supports the warfighter.”

Rogers will go on to represent the NMFDC region at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) FY 2025 SOY competition.

“These individuals have distinguished themselves through exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to our mission,” said Rear Adm. Walter Brafford, NMFDC’s commander. “Their achievements are a testament to the high caliber of talent we have within our ranks.”

Brafford also said, while the awards highlight individual excellence, they are built upon the efforts of the entire NMFDC team.

“Let this be a moment to celebrate not just these individuals, but the collective spirit and dedication of our entire team,” said Brafford. “Your contributions make these achievements possible and drive our mission forward every single day.”

NMFDC is the headquarters element designated within the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery as a direct subordinate to the Surgeon General of the Navy, charged with leading and managing all medical training, education, professional development, and instruction to produce highly trained and ready medical personnel.