AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam - Hospital Corpsman Third Class James Pappas, native of Jefferson Township, New Jersey, joined the U.S. Navy in February 2019. He is a 2010 high school graduate of Township High School and a college graduate of County College of Morris, N.J. Pappas was selected as U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam’s Junior Sailor of the Quarter, third quarter, fiscal year 2023.

Prior to joining the Navy, Pappas attended Pennsylvania Gunsmith School and worked for a firearms company. He earned a living by building guns until he was encouraged by his brother to enlist in the Navy.

"Although I miss gunsmithing, I appreciate where the Navy has taken me,” said Pappas. "I thank my brother for giving me extreme motivation, he kept pushing me."

Pappas arrived at USNH Guam in September 2019 and was assigned to the hospital's Family Medicine Clinic. He served in Family Medicine as a General Duty Corpsman and learned to perform several procedures such as wound-packing, contraceptive implants, and toenail removals. After serving 17 months in Family Medicine, Pappas transferred to the hospital's Education and Training Department. He is currently the command's training assistant officer and also serves with the Auxiliary Security Force. Aside from his primary duties, Pappas assumed leadership roles in several collateral duties. He was administrator for USNH Guam’s Advance Life Support program, Pediatric Life Support program, and Hospital Corpsman Skills Basic program. He was also training petty officer for the USNH Guam Color Guard.

"Joining the Navy has been a positive stepping-stone in my career path," said Pappas. "As a member of the Color Guard, I was honored to participate in escorting remains of a fallen soldier to the Guam Veteran's Cemetery; it was a reminder of how precious life is." "It brings me joy to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Pappas.

Pappas stated that he hopes to inspire fellow Sailors to stay positive and motivated in challenging situations. He added that it is important to always prioritize themselves and their families.  Pappas currently holds an Associates of Arts degree and plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in administration. While off-duty, he enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking and gunsmithing. Pappas also expressed a " thank you" to his wife, son, parents and siblings.