Military Matters: How CPO Emenogu gives back

Serving in the military takes a special kind of dedication. It's a full-on commitment that demands the best, but one Chief Petty Officer at NAS Meridian decided to push himself even further. Not only does he look after vital emergency equipment, he's now taking care of people's health too.

CPO Nnamdi Emenogu is the maintenance supervisor of vital equipment, including gear used for emergency landings. And if that weren't enough to keep him busy, with the help of the Navy, he has enrolled in graduate school and is earning a Master’s in Public Health degree.

Chief Emenogu, who's originally from Nigeria, wanted to use what he has learned at hospitals in another African country.

"I went to Uganda. It was a volunteer opportunity which was part of my courses,” Emenogu said, “We helped them do some health screenings. We took blood pressures. We took glucose levels and we assisted with just vaccinations for some of the kids."

Emenogu, who's married with one daughter, says it's not always easy to balance working and studying but he was determined to make it happen.