JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Joel Barnes was named the 2025 Military Citizen of the Year for Hampton Roads, an honor presented to service members or veterans who demonstrate exceptional community involvement and selfless service beyond their military duties.

For more than 70 years, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce has recognized military members whose dedication and volunteer contributions have had a lasting impact on the Hampton Roads, Virginia region through the Samuel T. Northern Military Citizen of the Year Award.

“It was a surprise and an honor to receive the Military Citizen of the Year for Hampton Roads,” said Barnes. “I give credit to my leadership and fellow staff at the detachment. Without their support and encouragement, I would not have received the award.”

Barnes currently serves as an instructor for the Navy’s Advanced Radiographer Program, located at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and overseen by Navy Medicine Training Support Command’s (NMTSC) Portsmouth training detachment.

“I was more than happy to nominate HM1 [hospital corpsman 1st class] Barnes to be recognized and to see him be selected as the Military Citizen of the Year,” said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Thomas Van Ingen, senior enlisted leader for NMTSC’s Portsmouth and Camp Lejeune detachments. “He consistently demonstrates superior leadership, competence, and resourcefulness, performing his duties, while also dedicating his off-duty time to help others.”

In addition to his volunteer accomplishments, Barnes is known for his dedication to strengthening the Navy’s radiography community through rigorous instruction and professional mentorship, a commitment that reflects the same work ethic recognized by the Hampton Roads Chamber.

“I have been fortunate enough to see the Navy’s Advanced Radiographer Program in its entirety having been a Phase I instructor prior to becoming a Phase II instructor,” said Barnes. “Having experienced the program as both a student and instructor, I see where improvements need to be made. As instructors, both myself and HM1 Elijah Marshall, prioritize challenging our students’ knowledge and emphasize the importance of knowing every part of your job.”

When asked what influenced his decision to join the Navy, he said his desire to serve his country, further his education, and provide for his growing family.

“It has been a blessing to serve the past 14 years, and the Navy has provided me with an abundance of opportunities to advance my education, grow as a leader, and appreciate the value of teamwork,” said Barnes. “I have always had an interest in the medical field and enjoy helping others. When I first went to the recruiter, I wanted to be an X-ray tech, and I was fortunate enough to attend Advanced Radiographer school following corps [hospital corpsman “A”] school.”

Barnes also said he finds motivation in knowing his work in radiology directly supports patient care and allows him to foster excellence in future Navy radiographers.

“Radiology plays an intricate role in diagnosing patients, ensuring they receive the proper treatment plan,” said Barnes. “I am motivated to cultivate my love for the radiology field in my students by challenging them to be the subject matter expert and fostering a deep sense of pride in the profession.”

NMTSC is the Navy component command providing administrative and operational control over Navy staff and students assigned to the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) and other medical programs in the San Antonio area.