The following is a selection of reader reactions to the Sept. 25 Navy Times article, " Misconduct nearly ended his career. How tough lessons shaped the new MCPON. "
I was CTT2 Giordano's Division LCPO when he came to Ft. Meade. Within a few days of meeting him I turned to the Senior Chief I worked with and said 'How is this guy only a CTT2?' Then I learned the story he tells here.
As Gio continued to excel I spent a lot of time thinking about how much, if at all, I should consider his past when evaluating his current performance. In the end, I decided not at all. Sailors do something wrong and get punished. What matters is what they do next. Allow that to bring them down or learn from it, improve themselves, and move forward.
The latter is what Gio did and I'm proud to have shared a small part of his career. Sitting in the crowd at the Navy Yard a few weeks ago as he was installed as MCPON was one of the memorable moments of my career even though I'm just an old retired guy now.
I think two things are notable. First, that a Sailor can overcome something like this and continue to find success. That this isn't a zero defect Navy. That is a powerful message. Second, how forthcoming and honest Gio is in this interview. That's the man I knew and the one I'm proud to have served with.
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Steve Caimino
Zero defect mentality is poisonous to our Navy and to its Sailors. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow and the more serious ones really show the character of an individual. I’d like to see our leadership take this and other examples on why it’s never a good example to dismiss someone who wasn’t ‘perfect’ but was a committed and determined Sailor. My hats off to you MCPON, you’ve earned some credit in my book brother.
Dave Khan
Via Facebook
I went to CO's mast as an E-5. Put on the Master Chief Anchors at 15 years 9 months. It's all about getting your head straight and moving forward.
Rock N Rod
Via Facebook
It seems obvious he learned his lesson and owns it still after 20 years. If he's that talented to climb out of his hole and make MCPON, then what's the problem?
Chuck Yeager
Via Facebook
Great story! As a sailor who has gone to mast and become a top sailor again, it is amazing to see this can happen. In today's Navy they seem to make you think your career has ended, but this shows we are all humans and make mistakes but your attitude and motivation can determine your career.
Josh King
Via Facebook
Great story but those days are long gone now. Zero tolerance Navy which means we will never see a Sailor mess up and have time to recover anymore.
Pat Stimphil
Via Facebook
Everyone makes mistakes. Glad he learned from it and the Navy gave him a chance. Probably wouldn't happen in the New navy though.
Brenda Huber
Via Facebook
This is a very good, and important story. There is a mistaken belief that the Navy will not accept mistakes or that once you make a mistake your career is over. Having sat an 8/9 board, I can tell you that is not the case. What is important is that the sailor recognize the mistake, pay the penalty and continue to perform. We like people who correct and improve themselves.
Michael Edmund
Via Facebook
There's an arrogance that comes with a spotless record. The best Chiefs I ever met were the ones who had blemishes. They were the ones you could talk to and expect real answers instead of just citing regs or the latest NKO training.
Jason Ammons
Via Facebook
Good for him, we have enough "perfect" leaders at the top. I like having a leader who has had adversity in his past. Less judgement, more reality.
Michael Palmer
Via Facebook
What a great example of owning your mistakes and overcoming. Met him last night at the Khaki Ball. He was very motivational, and now I'm even more impressed.
Rebecca Combs
Via Facebook
An NJP, especially the first one, should RARELY end someone's career. When young and stupid, it's not all that difficult to find yourself up in front of the Old Man. Measure the sailor's character and potential by his conduct and performance going forward from that NJP. This guy has a credible story to tell junior sailors because he's been there. Let this MCPON tell his story and shape some lives. He sounds like a born leader, not a "perfect" leader.
Clay Wardrop
Via Facebook
It's about time we have a MCPON who has the "been there, done that" experience of having been on the other side of the podium at CO'S mast. He has the insight to be able to pass on to troubled sailors and maybe give them that 2nd chance at a career.
Ryan J. Lippert
Via Facebook
I think it shows that he is human and makes mistakes like everyone else. No one is perfect not even some of our presidents, I applaud the risky choice the Navy has made.
Anthony Granado
Via Facebook
I already like him more than our last MCPON. Gets his skeletons out there early. Unlike a poltician that seeks to cover up all his past indiscretions. Now I only hope he helps the Navy focus on substantial issues, not LGBT integration and how bake sales can get you to chief while making sure your SAPR quals are up to date.
Byron T Stembridge
Via Facebook
Maybe CNO wants someone with experience they can use to counsel others, evaluate performance, advise him. Good for CNO & MCPON. The military is meant to FIGHT and to do that you need to be TOUGH and the best way to get tough is to get knocked down and get back up again. Maybe officers need to be choir boys and girls, but the enlisted who do the brunt of sweating and bleeding and dying need to be made of stern stuff.
William James
Via Facebook
