When and why did you decide to join the military and where were you located when you made this decision?

I decided to go to the US Naval Academy for college. My older sister and cousin had both gone to school there so I decided to follow in their footsteps. I was living in Palmdale, CA when I made the choice.

Where did you serve during your time in uniform?

After graduating from USNA I moved to San Diego, CA, Charleston, SC, Saratoga Springs, NY, Norfolk, VA, and Naples, Italy. I transitioned from active duty to the reserves and currently support a unit based out of Washington DC.

What were some of your key memories during your time of service? 

The best memories were time spent with the people and the lifelong friends I made along the way. The Nuclear Surface Warfare life is a demanding one that takes most of your free time so it was nice to know I had wonderful people around me in the same boat (literally).

What is an important value that you took away from your military experience? 

I learned to work with every personality type. You won’t always be friends with every person you meet in life, but you should have enough respect for them to come to a common understanding to get the job done.

 What advice would you give someone interested in joining the military? 

Talk to someone who has been in and can help you find the right fit for you. The recruiters do not always have your best interest in mind so it’s important to know what you want. The navy is not a glamorous lifestyle but it can help be a stepping stone towards your future goals.