Center for Security Forces Commanding Officer Captain Joseph Bromley announced the CENSECFOR 2024 Instructor of the Year award winners. The award recognizes the Sailor’s continual superior performance and leadership in their position at their respective activities within the CENSECFOR domain.

The award winners are Chief Master-at-Arms Thomas Marvin at Naval Technical Training Center Lackland, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Arianna Begonia at Detachment Chesapeake, and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Christopher Chaney also at Naval Technical Training Center Lackland.

In his endorsement letter of Marvin as senior instructor of the year, NTTC Lackland Commanding Officer Christopher Breckenridge said, “He is not only a forceful instructor, but an exceptional leader, showcasing his unswerving commitment to developing future leaders!”

“This is a significant achievement because it acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and expertise in your field and how it impacts your students and the next generation of Sailors,” said Marvin. “It motivates me to see the new Master-at-Arms learn from my experiences in the Navy and use that information to be successful at their follow-on duty stations.”

Among his many achievements in 2024, Marvin led his division in executing 34 law enforcement and antiterrorism topics for more than 1,400 students attending Master-at-Arms “A” School, which had a 98 percent graduation rate. As the command’s antiterrorism officer, he revised the command’s antiterrorism plan, ensuring a comprehensive security posture. He led two joint base force protection exercises and active shooter drills, which achieved a 100 percent approval score.

Marvin also dedicated off-duty time to the local school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, helping the next generation of military leaders through hands-on instruction and leadership and showing them how the Navy can benefit them personally.

Asked what advice she would offer to her counterparts in the Fleet, Begonia shared some keen insight. “The advice I would offer to my counterparts in the fleet is the same advice I received early in my Navy career,” said Begonia. “Everyone has something to teach you, and everyone has something to learn. Even the worst teacher can teach you how not to teach. Don’t ever be too successful when it comes to accepting feedback, opinions, and especially failure.”

“Petty Officer Begonia is my go-to antiterrorism training supervisor, who consistently prioritizes her students’ needs and readily accepts requests for additional instruction, said Cmdr. Brock Hartford, in his endorsement of Begonia for mid-term instructor of the year. “She has distinguished herself as the top performer at Detachment Chesapeake, excelling not only in her primary role but also in her numerous collateral duties.

Begonia serves as the detachment’s collateral duty public affairs officer, among many other collateral duties. In 2024, she was instrumental in documenting four retirements and ten command heritage events and overhauled the detachment’s staff photo board. She also dedicated more than 200 hours to supporting CENSECFOR's social media campaigns and submitted more than 9,000 photos for publication.

“This achievement is significant to me as it reflects on years of dedication, resilience, and my role as a Naval Technical Training Center Lackland representative,” said Chaney. “Each challenge I’ve faced, whether adapting to diverse responsibilities or ensuring high standards of instruction, has strengthened my commitment and equipped me with the skills needed to tackle future challenges.”

Leadership hand-picked Chaney as the first Navy E-5 to serve as the U.S. Air Force 341st Training Squadron’s second in charge, or 2IC. The squadron trains military working dogs for patrol, drug and explosive detection, and specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense and other government agencies.

Among his many achievements, Chaney played a pivotal role in the certification and graduation of 400 military working dog handlers, comprised of Sailors, soldiers, airmen, and federal employees. As a master training specialist, he demonstrated his exceptional expertise by providing over 200 hours of training for Naval Education and Training personnel. He conducted 15 oral boards, resulting in 23 master training specialist qualifications at NTTC Lackland.

Each winner recognizes the difficulty of thanking just one person for all the guidance and mentorship that contributed to their successful naval careers.

“My father was in the Navy and was my greatest influence to join. Growing up with his values and advice shaped my thoughts on leadership and service to our country,” said Marvin. “My wife has been essential to my Navy service. Her belief in me and her ability to balance the demands of the Navy and family life allowed me to dedicate myself to my career and be successful.”

“Being operationally assigned to the Air Force within a Joint Service Command has been an invaluable experience, exposing me to mentorship from some of the most respected non-commissioned officers across the DoD,” said Chaney. “Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Scott Chilko was instrumental in my development and, in part, helped solidify my position as the first Navy E5 2IC at The Military Working Dog Handler Course.”

Begonia sums it up best in her response: “The beauty of this organization is that you will encounter so many phenomenal people who can have everlasting impressions or impacts on your life and career.”

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 20,000 students annually in Force Protection, Expeditionary Warfare, Code of Conduct, Law Enforcement, and Small Craft Operations. It has training locations across the United States and worldwide, where training breeds confidence.