Making an Impact

As a U.S. Navy damage controlman, Sidney’s job is to ensure all firefighting systems and damage-control equipment are safe and functional. Sidney’s priority is his crew’s safety, and, as their supervisor, he trains them regularly on preventative maintenance. He takes pride in knowing he’s keeping his crew and the ship safe and helping them survive any life-threatening situations, should they occur.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Adrian Vasquez is no stranger to lending a helping hand. Once, while returning from a port call to Martinique, Adrian and his crew came across individuals who had been lost at sea for weeks. Suddenly, Adrian felt the gravity of his job. “These are people that happened to be out there, and I’m doing my job of being an electronics technician, but then I’m also contributing by standing watch and helping the boat operate and work. It’s tangible,” he says. For Adrian, more than anything, the impact and humanitarian aspect of the Coast Guard spoke to him. He’s found his purpose and himself in the Military.

Because she grew up in Puerto Rico with Spanish as her first language, Cpl. Garcia-Ortiz’s communications role did not come easily. However, through extensive training, and with the full support of her fellow Marines, she forged a meaningful career that impacts the health and safety of those around her. “If someone is in a dangerous situation, we’re there to make the call and ensure they get the support they need,” she says.

When Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dominique Velazquez was deployed to Japan, he began to take on leadership responsibilities. “I never saw myself as a leader, but I learned so much about managing my staff, facilitating projects and maintaining a cohesive work environment.” In his current position, Dominique is a leading petty officer, helping his fellow service members advance their careers. “I help them manage their work schedules, their personal lives and their volunteer opportunities,” he says.

Serving part time as a heavy-machine equipment operator, Eduardo spends a minimum of one weekend a month and two weeks a year operating and maintaining vehicles used to build roads, parking lots and more for everything from humanitarian missions to combat zones. Apart from his military service, Eduardo is a full-time police officer with the New York Police Department. He takes great pride in his role of looking out for others — both in New York and around the world. He knows that if he can do it, anyone can. “You can really be anything you want in life if you dedicate your time and go out there and achieve it,” he says.