Plainfield woman graduates Rutgers while serving in Navy
A Plainfield resident is serving at Navy Reserve Region Southeast Readiness and Mobilization Command Jacksonville.
Petty Officer 1st Class Sarah Horne, a 2011 graduate of Forest High School and a 2022 Rutgers University-Newark graduate, joined the Navy 11 years ago.
"I joined the Navy because I wasn't sure what to do after high school," said Horne.
While attending Rutgers University, Horne maintained a 4.0 GPA and was on the Dean's List every year. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and National Society of Leadership and Success. Horne also was awarded the Rutgers-Newark English Department's Louis R. Zocca award.
Today, Horne serves as a mass communication specialist.
"The best part of my job is my love of writing," said Horne. I love writing about others' achievements because they teach me that anything is possible.”
According to Horne, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in her hometown of Ocala, Florida.
"I learned from my hometown that if I do my best, I will never know failure and I haven't," said Horne. “I have had a whole bunch of learning experiences, but I have never felt like a failure."
Serving in the Navy means Horne is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
"The Navy contributes to national defense by providing air, sea, and land assets for any wartime environment,” said Horne.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers while serving in the Navy.
"My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was coordinating the sponsorship and mentorship programs for three different commands," said Horne. “I didn't want junior sailors suffering from the difficulties that come with transferring to a new command. Also, because of my efforts, I am proud to say that I was missed when I left each command, which says to me that I was helpful, and that's all I really want to be in life.”
As Horne and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"Serving in the Navy has been my way of finding a new family, a purpose in life and a way to give back to my community," added Horne.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Plainfield woman graduates Rutgers while serving in Navy
