CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 Hospitalman Apprentice Rafael Velez, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.<\/p>\n
Velez graduated from Flour Bluff High School in 2020.<\/p>\n
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Corpus Christi.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing up, I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic, dedication and courage, and to never back down from adversity,\u201d Velez said. \u201cIt\u2019s helped me a lot. It kept me straight in boot camp, kept me straight in \u2018A\u2019 school, and it\u2019s keeping me straight here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Velez joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Velez serves as a hospital corpsman.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have cousins in the Marines and Air Force, my tio is retired from the Army,\u201d Velez said. \u201cI joined the Navy because I wanted to support my cousin in the Marines by being a hospital corpsman.\u201d<\/p>\n
ACU-4 provides combat-ready landing craft, air cushions (LCACs) to conduct operational missions worldwide. Combining high speed, exceptional maneuverability and long-range qualities with the ability to travel over land, these unique connectors provide added versatility to the amphibious force and can deliver vehicles, personnel and cargo from ship to shore and back.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.<\/p>\n
According to Navy officials, \u201cAmerica is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America\u2019s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.<\/p>\n
Velez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m most proud of being a corpsman and being a sailor,\u201d Velez said. \u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to be a corpsman. I tried to join right out of high school, but it didn\u2019t work out. I\u2019m here now, and I\u2019m so glad. I love coming in every day. It\u2019s living the dream every day. I\u2019m also proud of becoming a father.\u201d<\/p>\n
Velez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation\u2019s prosperity and security.<\/p>\n
\u201cServing in the Navy has opened a floodgate of opportunities, giving me the skills to help myself and others,\u201d Velez said.<\/p>\n
Velez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to thank my recruiter, my family and my biggest inspiration, David Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL who is now an ultramarathon runner,\u201d Velez said. \u201cI also want to thank my wife, Ariana. She helped and supported me through boot camp and \u2018A\u2019 school.\u201d<\/p>\n
Velez offered encouragement for others to follow their dreams.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t let the bad things stop you from chasing your dreams,\u201d Velez said. \u201cChase it till you get it.\u201d<\/p>\n
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