Petty Officer Sarah Yacko served proudly in the US Navy for over 4 years. Her career began in 2011, when she underwent weapons training at the Great Lakes Training Command as a Gunner’s Mate. After completing training, she was deployed to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on the USS Halsey DDG95 Combat Destroyer.

In 2013 she was promoted and attached to the USS Chaffey DDG90 combat missile division and aided in the rebuild of the VLS Mk 41 Mod 7, which is a shipborne missile canister launching system that provides a rapid-fire launch capability against hostile threats.

In March of 2014, she was deployed in USAFRICOM with a small caliber action team off the coast of Somalia as was part of an interdiction team to stop piracy. As a GM3, she trained crew on the use of weapons while cross training as firefighter and EMT.

At the end of her duty, she was transferred to Mayport Florida where she out processed while working in the armory with an Honorable Discharge in June 2015.

Her medals include National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

After her career in the Navy, she served a few years in private security before returning to school where she received a degree in Culinary Operations from Auguste Escoffier.

As the current Post Commander, she brings a passion for service to the forefront, volunteering with the Matlacha Hookers and teaming up with Churches on the Streets of SWFL to feed homeless veterans and families every Tuesday evening. I’m also honored to be part of the prayer team at Pine Island Community Church.

When I’m not serving my community, you can find me on the water, whether I’m out on the pontoon with family & friends, paddle boarding, or kayaking. My commitment to helping others and my love for the outdoors keep me grounded and inspired every day.