Featured Firstie: 1/C Kirsta Wheelock
POSTED ON: Friday, March 31, 2023 10:41 AM by mediarelations@usna.edu
This week’s Firstie Friday is Midshipman 1st Class (senior) Kirsta Wheelock from Fredonia, New York. She is a political science major involved in many extracurriculars around the yard, including Women's Ice Hockey, Mustang Club President, a member of 29th Company, and the Brigade Operations Officer.
Wheelock’s desire to attend the Academy stemmed from her time as a Cryptologic Technician (CTR) in the Navy before her acceptance: “I loved my job as an enlisted sailor. The enlisted members and officers I worked with at Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Georgia were phenomenal, and they helped me discover that my skills and passions would be best suited for the officer community. Their encouragement and guidance got me where I am today, and I could not be more grateful for their help.”
She attributes her motivation and values to her family and one of her enlisted mentors CTN1 Jacob Cruz. Wheelock grew up in a close-knit community in Fredonia, New York, where her family helped her succeed. “My parents have worked very hard to help my younger siblings and I accomplish our goals and I always admire and try to emulate their work ethic and genuine kindness towards others.” CTNI Jacob Cruz continues to inspire her leadership style. “Through his example and mentorship, he has taught me to be a leader who is constantly striving to be selfless, fair, hardworking, well-rounded, and competent in all categories of professional military life.”
Her favorite memory as a midshipman thus far is winning the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference (DVCHC) Hockey Championship with the women’s ice hockey team two years in a row. She looks forward to the spring concert, Commissioning Week, preparing to transition back to the fleet, and spending time with her family and friends throughout the major milestones that are coming up rapidly.
Upon graduation in May 2023, Wheelock will commission as an Intelligence Officer in the Surface Warfare Community.
Category: Midshipman, General Interest