Rock Hill Native Shapes Next Generation of Navy Recruiters

Senior Chief Petty Officer Matthew Wilson, a proud native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, is making a significant impact on the future of the U.S. Navy. Assigned to the Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit (NORU) in Pensacola, Wilson serves as an instructor, directly influencing the development of future Navy recruiters.

A 2003 graduate of Northwestern High School, Wilson recently earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Post University in 2025. He joined the Navy 17 years ago, a choice rooted in family tradition. “Both of my grandfathers, Jimmy Rodgers and James Sims, served in the Navy, so it was an easy choice when choosing a branch,” Wilson shared, noting that Jimmy served as a radioman 1st class and James as a quartermaster 3rd class during the Korean War.

Wilson credits his Rock Hill upbringing for instilling values that have served him well in his military career. “I learned respect and honesty growing up in the South, which allowed me to grow up with the opportunity to learn respect at a young age,” he stated.

At Naval Air Station Pensacola, NORU is the Navy’s sole recruiting schoolhouse. Here, Wilson instructs both enlisted and officer personnel in crucial areas such as professional sales, prospecting techniques, marketing, and ethical behavior. Students, numbering over 3,500 annually, hone their communication skills and participate in simulated sales environments to ensure prospective applicants fully understand naval service.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year, emphasizing that the nation’s prosperity and security are inherently tied to recruiting and retaining talented individuals. Wilson serves in a Navy that operates globally, promoting national prosperity and security. He finds deep satisfaction in his role, stating, “I think I am most proud of being able to take care of and help promote the sailors in my charge.”

For Wilson, serving in the Navy is a profound commitment. “Serving in the Navy means doing my part for my country,” he affirmed. “This is the best country in the world, and I am proud to be an American.” He also expressed gratitude to his family, adding, “I would like to thank my entire family for the love and support they have given me that empowered me to be my best.”