Military Officer Accomplishments

My mother often repeated these words to me: “You will grow up to be a man, Joe, and there are three very important things I want you to always remember—work hard, be respectful, and stay teachable!” These words continue to inspire and guide me through my experiences. While fixing faulty radios and damaged radars as an electronics technician over the past 10 years, I have realized that my real passion is working to find solutions to problems, not repairing broken equipment. I believe that the Civil Engineer Corps is the best fit for my talents as a technician, my experience as a technical leader, and my dedication to constant improvement. I look forward to strengthening the United States Navy and advancing my field as a naval officer.
Who I
am as a man, a father, and a leader in the Navy has been shaped by consequential turns in my life’s path. After completing seventh grade, my Mother decided to homeschool me. At the age of 16, I received my GED and was accepted to Rhode Island College with hopes of becoming a doctor. This was an amazing opportunity, but I wasn’t ready for the commitment that college required at such a young age. I decided to join the Navy. This change in my focus from medicine to the military didn’t serve me all that well academically. As a result, I was distracted and failed to complete two of my classes, which resulted in failing grades for both. I wasn’t proud of my decision to drop out, but it has become an enduring catalyst for me to respect and reach my goals.
The exemplary leaders I have served under during my time in the Navy have seen my potential, supported me when I made mistakes, and pushed me to reach for the next level. On my first assignment aboard the USS Hopper (DDG 70), my executive officer encouraged me to explore all avenues available to me and to begin learning about what it takes to be an officer. She urged me to apply to the Naval Academy, which excited me at the time, but I forfeited the opportunity by receiving NJP for underage drinking a few days before my 21st birthday. I transferred to the USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), quickly achieved the next rank, and was assigned as the radar work-center supervisor. My leaders recognized my technical acumen, my passion for helping others, and my commitment to hard work. As a result, they continued to place me in roles that would challenge me to be my best self.
Since my time aboard the USS Vella Gulf, I have started a family, earned my associate’s degree in electronics, and achieved the rank of petty officer first class.
During my most recent deployment, I realized I would thrive and excel in a more mentally demanding work environment. I was deployed to West Africa with a small task unit that consisted of a Task Unit CDR (LCDR), a Special Operations Forces Liaison Element OIC (LT), an Intelligence Officer (LT), and me in the role of the communicator. I was charged with learning and performing the duties of the missing operations officer. I took on that role while continuing to maintain all the equipment I was responsible for. This assignment offered me an in-depth look at three different types of officers, the work they were required to do, and the decisions they had to make. I was intrigued. My desire for continual growth, coupled with the encouragement of these officers, rekindled my long-standing goal of becoming a Naval Officer. Working with these men showed me that, although I still have a great deal to learn, becoming a naval officer is a goal I know I can and will achieve.
“Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try” President John F. Kennedy. I have really been preparing to be a naval officer since my first ship. I have proven myself as a leader among my peers, and I am confident that I am ready to increase my level of responsibility. If selected into the Civil Engineering Corp, and given the designator 5100, I pledge to continue to work hard, give and earn respect, never stop learning, and serve my country with Honor, courage and commitment. Thank you for your
consideration.