Two Bermudian women have been signally honoured by the US Navy.Firstly it was Francine C. Tevis, seen sporting six Gold Stars, a couple of Bronze Stars and other service ribbons and awards she earned during her three decades in the service, attaining the rank of Master Chief.Next was Francine’s mother, well-known Mrs Edwina Cann, nee Saltus, formerly of Pembroke and Sandys, whose own mother was Mrs Frances Saltus, one of the founding members of the Orchid Charity Club. Edwina said she was taken completely by surprise when the Navy Chief called her out of the audience attending the impressive retirement ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and presented her with a certificate of appreciation.The certificate expressed grateful appreciation for the mother’s patience and understanding during Francine’s naval career. Vice-Admiral William D French, noted that Francine, “made our Navy stronger and kept our nation safe, proving wrong those who say one woman cannot make a difference. Your daughter did!”Actually Francine was born in Japan. She was aged four when she visited her ancestral Bermuda homeland for the first time. She attended Northlands and Dellwood Elementary Schools, graduated from Warwick Academy, attended the Bermuda College and Indiana University before joining the navy. Her father, Frank Tevis, a native of the Philippines, and Edwina met and married when he was stationed in Bermuda with the US Air Force.Because of her father’s background, Master Chief Tevis was known as “an air force brat” when she entered the navy. At the time of her retirement she was assigned at Commander, Naval Installations Command, serving as the Force Equal Opportunity Advisor, responsible for providing the Commander with Equal Opportunity, guidance, training and support for 12 Regions and 79 installations.Francine’s tours of duty included Dental Technician Class “A” School, San Diego, California; Naval Regional Dental Center, Great Lakes, Ill; Naval Dental Clinic, Pearl Harbour, HI; Dental Technician Administration Class ”C” School graduating with honours. Also at other installations including Norfolk, Jacksonville, NC; Camp Lejeune, NC; and Commander, Naval Installations Command, Washington, DC.In July 2006, Master Chief Tevis was officially re-designated a Hospital Corps, “HM”. She is a graduate of the US Senior Enlisted Academy 127. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Care Management from Southern Illinois University and Master of Science Degree in Health Care Management TUI.Additionally she has qualified as Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist and a Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist. Among her personal awards are Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal with ne bronze star and various related campaign ribbons and awards.The last time Master Chief Tevis visited Bermuda was in April, 2007 for the funeral of her stepfather, Berwyn Cann, an insurance executive and prominent track and field sports personality, late of Somerset.