Honoring: YNC Yolanda Wood, USN, Ret.

Honored by VADM Carol Pottenger, USN, Ret.

I met Yolanda as my new (and final) Flag Writer when I was stationed at Allied Command Transformation, NATO ACT. She was a very serious professional, devoted to her family and to her work. Yolanda was amazing in her efforts to balance my – at times overwhelming – travel and work commitments, as I was back and forth to Europe almost every other week, meeting with all of the senior NATO military and security ministers and their staffs. I also had NATO personnel working for me stationed in almost every European country, so a very challenging schedule.

Yolanda delivered a perfect product every time! She was respected by all, and never dropped the ball while balancing the depth and breadth of her responsibilities. She also raised two daughters during this time, and ensured they both grew up to be wonderful adults. AND she continued to work on her own academic credentials, earning a BA and MA. I was constantly amazed by her commitment to the Navy and to her pursuit of her own life goals. She was always centered in her faith and was a tremendous resource to many Sailors during her career. Yolanda continues to serve her fellow veterans and first responders both as a Navy civilian and as a licensed therapist. BZ YNC Wood!