A Sailor's Story

A decorated US Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer medically retired after 18 1/2 years of dedicated service to our nation.

A decision to serve was nearly made on a whim.  I was asked by a recruiter, who was recruiting my cousin if I was interested in a life-changing career move.  At the time I was working for Ikea and was relatively pleased with the day-to-day rigamarole and antics of the Elizabeth, New Jersey store.  The store was pleasantly busy with the buzz of friendly faces from the adjacent neighborhoods and loads of visitors from across the Hudson Bay.

After having my cousin take the mock ASVAB, as I cooly looked on while smoking a Newport, the recruiter asked if I was interested in something more than just a job — a career.  I took it and got a score higher than any of us expected.  He got two for the price of one that night.  A month later I left for recruit training in Great Lakes, IL, followed by my cousin about 7 months later.

On a warm June day in 2016, it all changed.  While conducting a Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) I was injured yet the onset of symptoms was slow to set in.  Since doctors aren’t stationed aboard destroyers and there was no reliable way to correctly diagnose my injury, I suffered for 3 days and on the 4th I lost the ability to walk.  I’ve been denied servicemember’s life insurance benefits, had wheelchair upgrades, and treatment protocols but still keep fighting, living, and rising.

I remain #HonoredToServe my nation and community in whatever capacity I can.