Concord native continues family tradition of military service

Petty Officer 1st Class Tashae Propst, a native of Concord, North Carolina, joined the Navy partly because her father was in the Navy.

"My dad got out of the Navy when I was born, and I later served aboard the same ship he served on," said Propst.

Now, 16 years later, Propst is stationed with the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) San Diego, which trains sailors in the operation and maintenance of shipboard weapons and sensors. Propst, a 2003 graduate of Concord High School, is an operations specialist at the training center located in San Diego.

“I teach communication and navigation skills to students who will be serving aboard U.S. Navy ships,” said Propst.

According to Propst, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Concord.

“Stay humble and treat others the way you want to be treated,” said Propst. “It’s important to our life aboard ships, especially if we’re in combat. Humble yourself and better understand how other people work.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber-optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Propst is most proud of balancing Navy and family life.

“I have two children who are 10 and 6, and they’re very important to me,” said Propst. “My career is also important to me, so I can provide stability for my family.”

For Propst, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Propst hopes to continue.

“In addition to my dad, who served in the Navy, I also have brothers who are in the Army,” said Propst.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Propst, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.

“The Navy gives me a purpose,” said Propst. "When I go home, everyone's so proud that I've made it this far, and they encourage me to keep going. It's been a great career. I've been able to travel the world and was stationed overseas in Japan, Italy and Hawaii."

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

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