Not For Self...

The motto of the U.S. Navy is “Non Sibi Sed Patriae,” which is Latin for “Not For Self, But Country.”

Garrett Griggs of Newton recently experienced what it means to take up the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment by taking part in a 12-day U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps boot camp at Camp Dodge in Johnston. He was among 47 members of the Central Iowa Division to successfully complete the program at a graduation ceremony held most appropriately on July 4.

“Cadet Griggs performed at a high level and is a fine representative of his family and his community,” Central Iowa Division Commanding Officer Lt. Cdr. Eric Goslinga, NSCC, said. “The Recruit Training experience is an intense, demanding training, equivalent to military basic training standards. Completing this program of training is a significant accomplishment, requiring a unique level of motivation, self-discipline, and commitment to excellence.”

The NSCC was founded in 1958 to provide American youth with a drug- and alcohol-free environment to foster their leadership abilities while broadening their horizons through hands-on training. It was established by the Navy League of the United States at the behest of the U.S. Navy; it became federally incorporated by Congress — similar to The Boy Scouts of America — in 1962.

Today, Sea Cadets is open to any American child between the ages of 10 and 17 who have an interest in an adventure program with a military structure. Iowa Sea Cadets have the opportunity to travel around the world for training opportunities through sister-organization relationships fostered with the International Sea Cadets Association.

Sea Cadets, should they choose to later enlist in the military, are advanced in pay grade/rank upon enlistment. They may also compete for collegiate scholarships as a result of their participation in the program.

During his intensive training, Garrett received an orientation to military life, military heritage, Navy Core Values, military customs and courtesies, watch standing, military drill and ceremony, marksmanship and weapons safety, physical training, chemical, biological, and radiological weapons, fire fighting, damage control, ethics, personal hygiene and general military knowledge. Like U.S. Navy basic training, the 12-day experience culminated with the seven-hour Navy Special Warfare Battle Stations activity.

“Cadets were challenged to memorize and recall Navy and Marine Corps knowledge,” Goslinga said. “This includes the 11 General Orders of the Sentry, the 14 Leadership Traits of the Marine Corps, Navy and Marine Corps history, officer and enlisted ranks and rates of the Navy and Marine Corps, the phonetic alphabet, and the Sailor’s Creed.”

Garrett’s parents are Marty and Sherry Griggs, and his grandparents include Dean and Pat Schutte and Rick Griggs of Newton. Great-grandparents include Richard and Fran Griggs and Ray and Bessie Delk, all from Newton.

Daily News Editor Bob Eschliman may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 423, or at beschliman@newtondailynews.com.