By Lori EhdeA Luverne native is racking up military awards for her recent performance in the U.S. Navy.Ashley Ackel, who grew up in Luverne and attended Luverne High School through her sophomore year, was named "Sailor of the Year" among her peers in the Naval Command Telecommunications Area Master Station.The award recognizes sailors who perform "beyond the call of duty" and emphasizes community services.Ackel works in a detached unit of the Navy at Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu as an electronics technician third class petty officer.She was nominated among roughly 800 others in her command and was chosen among nominees for Sailor of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2003. At the end of 2003, Ackel and the other three Sailors of the Quarter were considered for the honor of Sailor of the Year in their particular command.Ackel received that honor, which makes her eligible to become Sailor of the Year for the Naval Network Security Operations Command, which includes her command and four others in the Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy.She’ll find out in March whether or not she’ll be selected for that level of the honor. If honored at that level, she’s eligible for the international version of Sailor of the Year.Meanwhile, her recognition so far has earned her two other prestigious awards, both a direct result of being named Sailor of the Year.Rotary Club International recently presented her with the Service Above Self Award, and she received the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well.In a letter of commendation to Ackel for being named Sailor of the Quarter, her commanding officer said: "You demonstrate the traits and qualities that clearly distinguish sailors of exceptional caliber. … During the selection interview, your military bearing, knowledge and professionalism were unmistakable and immediately evident. Your demeanor and military bearing reflect credit upon yourself and your department, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."The award recognizes professional excellence, but Ackel told the Star Herald she thinks she was chosen for the award for her volunteer work and civic activities as well.In addition to volunteering with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Foundation, for example, she also works as a volunteer with Special Olympics.She’s working toward her bachelor’s degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu, and recently placed third in her age group in the half marathon and USO 10k run at Hickam Air Force Base.Ackel is the daughter of JoAnne Ackel, Luverne, and granddaughter of the late Gordon and Margaret Toft, Luverne.
