GETTING TO KNOW - Have you ever thought about what it takes to handle the return of fallen soldiers and sailors to their loved ones? That’s something Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (Fleet Marine Force) Jessica Zugzda knows all about and has dedicated her career to.
Earlier this year, Zugzda became the first woman to reach the rank of Senior Chief as a Navy mortician and only the second Navy mortician ever in Navy history.
How did she get there?
Zugzda was born and raised in Perth, and is a 2002 Broadalbin-Perth High School graduate. She currently resides in Delaware, where she serves as the sole Navy Liaison for Navy and Marine Corps Mortuary Detachment Dover Air Force Base Delaware, serving with Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO).
Influenced in 11th grade after meeting a funeral director, she knew her path.
“While in college at Hudson Valley Community College I learned that the Navy had morticians and figured I could serve my country, possibly learn a new trade, and eventually become a Navy mortician,” she said.
In 2004, Zugzda joined the Navy and in 2007 she became a licensed funeral director. She obtained the Navy Mortician status and her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2019. In 2020, she was stationed at Dover Air Force Base to work as the sole Navy Liaison at the Port Mortuary.
Recently, we spoke with Zugzda about her promotion and career.
Q: If you could describe your job to someone who wouldn’t understand, what would you say?
A: I oversee the timely and dignified return of fallen sailors and federal employees as well as assist the Marine Corps liaison with the return of Marine casualties. I am directly responsible for the coordination and execution of all Navy logistical support, Dignified Transfers, family arrival for planeside honors, uniform preparation, casualty officer guidance and shipment of remains that occur in and out of Dover Port Mortuary. Each mission and circumstance is unique and requires flexibility. My job is to provide support to the families and ensure their wishes are being met.
As a Senior Chief in the Navy and the Senior Enlisted Advisor for Navy Casualty, I have several administrative duties that I also perform. The Navy only has 13 Morticians worldwide that I support. I help to ensure my Sailor’s careers, goals, morale and welfare needs are being met.
Q: Did growing up in Perth have any influence on your career choice?
A: Yes and no. I love my hometown and growing up there. But I knew I wanted to see more of the world. Once I finished school, the next step would have been to serve my apprenticeship for my funeral director’s license and begin work. I was 19 at this time and didn’t see myself starting my life’s career and settling down in our small town just yet. So that is when I went and spoke with the recruiters.
Q: What is an interesting part of your job in the Navy?
A: Being the only branch of the Department of Defense with enlisted funeral directors and embalmers is something we hold great pride in. As a Navy Mortician, we are a Navy Enlisted Classification—like a specialty job—of the Hospital Corpsman community, we all have had to obtain college degrees and maintain state licensures. There are so few of us across the globe that many Active Duty Navy personnel do not even know we exist in the ranks. However, it is this rarity that we all share in that bonds us, and we work together to take care of our fallen, with the utmost honor and respect.
Q: What has been the most challenging aspect of your career to get to where you are now?
A: Before being stationed as a mortician in Dover, I was a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman for 16+ years, which came with a lot of field time and deployments. I found that until I was here at Dover Port Mortuary and experienced this mission firsthand, I never really understood the gravity that came with it. But as challenging as some days may be, it’s twice as rewarding.
Q: When and how did the honored promotion happen?
A: I was on vacation in Hawaii for my best friend’s daughter’s high school graduation, so her family was out there as well. We were in the kitchen planning dinner and my Deputy Director called me with the news. I was grateful to be surrounded by my “second family” and we now had even more to celebrate! After returning to Dover, I had a small ceremony at AFMAO to make it official.
Q: Is there any advice you could give to your past self or someone in your field?
A: Step outside of your box and learn new and different things. Stay motivated and keep growing personally and professionally. Always work on your work-life balance.
Q: Is there anything you’d change?
A: I do not believe I would change anything about my career. Everything that I have experienced has made me a stronger, more knowledgeable person and leader. I’ve had the opportunity to serve alongside some wonderful people in places I never thought I would get to see.
Becoming the first female to reach the rank of Senior Chief as a Navy Mortician and only the second Navy Mortician ever in Navy history, I want my junior sailors to be able to see their future doesn’t have a cap on it. They can continue to grow, excel, and achieve the unachievable. I am just extremely proud of our community as a whole. I would like to thank my family and friends, as I would not have been able to achieve all that I have or be where I am today without their support.