FMW OF THE QUARTER

Every Quarter we will be selecting an incredible FMW to be featured here to show all of her amazing accomplishments. This month we have selected Maria! Check her out on Instagram @missdevinovick.

INTRODUCTION

HI! My name is Devi and I currently live in Texas. I retired from the Navy in 2022 as a Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of service. I retired out of Oklahoma City as the SEL of NRC OKC. I got to see the world on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN76) and the USS John C Stennis (CVN74). It was a long road, but I’m happy to be on the “other side” on my new journey! 

Mental Fortitude

I think I was meant to join the service! As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been meticulous and organized. I’ve always been self-disciplined and structured. I even wore my hair is a bun! HA! My 20 year career was not easy at all. It already takes a lot for a woman to be in the service, but it wasn’t any easier in 2002. I was blessed to have made E5 in 2 years (yes! you read that right!). However, making E6 and Chief (E7), was where the true test came. Ending my career as the SEL was like knowing when to pull out of a game when you’re ahead. A very rewarding last tour, but not without its major challenges. 

The “Fit” Girl

I feel I’ve always had some athletic bone in my body. I dabbled in a lot growing up, but never joined a team or did anything for a long time. I was a HUGE tomboy growing up so I played in mud, with bugs, with the boys and did anything physical. I grew into a more of a feminine woman as I got into High School and didn’t really do anything sporty, but I sure LOVED to dance!! When I joined the Navy, I was clearly out of shape, but adapted the habits of running and doing push-ups. I would tag along with the real fit people on deployment to learn and do something new. I eventually got into bodybuilding. I competed for 10 years and did six shows. I won overall and placed third in my first couple shows. It got to be really tough juggling the Navy and bodybuilding and I ended up not placing well. I hung up the suit and heels and just decided to focus on being a healthier me! 

The Next Chapter

Since retiring, I’ve taken a major step back to reassess and examine. The Navy taught me a lot of life lessons that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise, but it was time to see how it applied to the civilian life. I haven’t taken on a full time job yet, but I do work part-time to keep my social skills up. I have to un-learn a lot of behaviors and communication skills and re-learn what these things are in the civilian world. So far, it’s been WONDERFUL!! I’ve been able to take the time to explore my interests and hobbies without worrying about a deployment or a deadline! I’ve been truly blessed to be in this position in life!