MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Callan, a native of Coconut Creek, Florida, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Rota, Spain.
Callan is a 2015 graduate of Coral Springs High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Coconut Creek.
"Growing up with a single mother, I have always been taught to be forgiving and understanding," Callan said. "Those lessons have helped me have compassion for all of the patients I see."
Callan has served in the Navy for three and a half years.
"I had wanted to join the Navy right out of high school, but didn't until I was 25 because I wanted to acquire new skills, with hopes to finish college as well," Callan said.
Today, Callan serves as a hospital corpsman assisting health care professionals in providing medical care to Navy personnel and their families.
"Being a corpsman has many perks," Callan said. "I have the opportunity to learn about any aspect I find interesting in the medical field. However, helping people with mental health issues is the most satisfying part for me."
According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research.
Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below and above the sea and ashore.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Callan serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security
Callan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am most proud of the personal relationships I've built," Calland said. "Being slightly older as a lower enlisted person has helped me lead younger individuals with patience and understanding, and many have expressed to me how my direct yet caring direction has helped them in their careers. Though there are ups and downs to being in the military, I am so grateful for my experience and friendships gained. I found my passion in life because of joining the Navy."
Callan can take pride in serving America through military service.
"Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride and patriotism knowing that my family and friends get to live their lives freely because of all of my brothers and sisters in the military of every branch," Callan added.