Using her story to inspire others

ByMCS3NoahJ.Eidson

ChiefCulinarySpecialistJasmineYoumes’ decision to join the Navy over 17 years ago becameapivotalmomentinherlife.

“When I was 17 I was living in a shelter. Aftermovingoutandgettinganapartment, I was looking for direction, she recounted. “TheNavynotonlyprovidedmedirectionin life,butitalsogavemeapurpose.Itfeltlike thestarttoanewlife.”

Beingasinglemotherandanewlyenlisted Sailorpresenteditsfairshareofchallenges, and Youmes faced a difficult decision early oninhercareer

“My son was very sick during my first enlistment, and we feared that he was going to die,” she said “That left me with a very difficult decision, but luckily I had a commanding officer and a group of people who supported me through this difficult timeinmylife.” Youmes’ son recovered from his illness, and that inspired her to make an important decision

“I decided to continue my naval career because Isawmy sonfightfor hislife,and I knewthatifthisbabycouldcontinuetofight, socouldI,”shesaid.“Itwasaharddecision tomake,butIknewitwastherightone.”

Youmes’ leadership skills have continued to grow as her career has progressed. Currentlyservingastheproductionchieffor Dam Neck Annex Galley she also recently earned her Chief’s anchors, a major career milestone in the Navy Chief Petty Officers aresomeoftheNavy’smostcriticalleaders, tasked with mentoring, guiding, and training junior Sailors Youmes has relished the opportunity “Being a black female in the military has given me the opportunity to mentor and inspireotherslikeme,”sheexplained.

Reflecting on Women’s History Month, Youmes explained that she has continued to use her experiences and the challenges she overcame as a foundation to uplift and inspireotherservicewomenaroundher.

“Every woman that joins the service has a different story to tell, and I feel like how we learn and grow from those trials can be an opportunity to inspire those around us,” Youmes said. “Being a single mother and senior enlisted has granted me the opportunitytomentorandupliftthejuniorsailors around me who may be struggling to find balance That’swhatit’sallaboutforme.”