CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (FMF) Carlos Cordova was honored at the Salute to Heroes’ Dinner sponsored by the Military Officers’ Association of America (MOAA) during their national convention in Nashville, Tenn. Oct. 16.

Cordova, a 26-year-old Purple Heart recipient who was wounded in Iraq last year, is assigned to the Naval Hospital Corpus Christi’s Brach Medical Clinic Ingleside.

His senior enlisted leader, Hospital Corpsman Senior Chief (SW) Emiliano Torres recommended him for the honors after the Navy solicited nominations for Sailors who deserved to be recognized at the national event.

Four Medal of Honor recipients and a representative from each military Service were acknowledged at the dinner for their extraordinary distinction. A master of ceremonies highlighted each person’s military decorations while the individual’s photo was projected on large screens.

Emphasizing the event’s patriotic nature retired Air Force Col. Marvin J. Harris, MOAA Director of Public Relations, stated “[we wanted] to show respect to the military Services and to those who have done things above and beyond the norm.”

The MOAA all-expense paid trip for honorees and their spouses gave everyone at the convention ample opportunity to get acquainted. Noting his impression of Cordova, Harris said, “He was an outstanding representative for the Navy, a first class young man all the way.”

Admitting that he was a little embarrassed by the attention, Cordova feels he was simply doing his duty as a corpsman.

"You do what you got to do…you just ‘rock and roll,’” he said.

As for his dedication to duty, Cordova credits his mentor, retired Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF/NAC) Douglas O. Watson with impressing upon him the importance of corpsmen serving Marine units.

“Chief was pretty cool,” said Cordova. “He advised me on the right direction that I should take, and showed me how my life could improve with a sense of order.”

“He followed in my footsteps by becoming a corpsman and getting his Fleet Marine Force qualifications," said Watson, "and I think he is very deserving of this honor.”

For related news, visit the Naval Hospital Corpus Christi, Texas Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nhcc.