When I enlisted in the United States Navy at 17 years old, I had no idea how my journey would prevail. Serving on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was just the beginning of this life changing experience. Being a ship’s serviceman with 87 sailors in my care was both rewarding and at times overwhelming. I oversaw the production of two ship stores, two barber shops, a handful of vending machines, the ship’s laundry facilities, and fashioned the Navy’s first onboard beauty salon.

Two Mediterranean deployments afforded me the opportunity to visit France, Italy, Bahrain, Dubai, Greece, and Portugal.

My intention when I joined the Navy was to do something that would make my parents proud, my country safe, and that I would be proud of for years to come. My experience as a United States sailor accomplished all those things and more. I developed life-long friends, who were more like family, I learned the core values that I have expanded on and live by today. I proudly and honorably served my country and I would do it again.

My military experience gave me unique skillsets that set me apart from people who have not served. Learning on the job for my military role taught me the skill of learning quickly. This allowed me to take my skills and transfer them into the civilian sector seamlessly. I’m proud that I had the opportunity to serve my country. I’m also proud to be serving my community by working for VyStar Credit Union.

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