MILLINGTON, Tenn. – As Americans reflect on the service of military men and women this Veterans Day, some may not realize that they are fellow residents with those who serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Canizaro, a resident of Debary, Florida and University High School graduate, supports and defends freedom around the world.
Reservists seamlessly support and actively aid military missions while continuing to lead their own independent lives in the civilian world, according to Navy officials.
“The Navy Reserve is a 100K strong team of sailors embedded across the fabric of society, loyal and dedicated patriots, serving both in uniform and civilian jobs, ready to defend the homeland and deploy across the world in a moment's notice,” said Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, Chief of Navy Reserve.
The Navy Reserve provides strategic depth to America’s Navy as it protects the American homeland and advances economic prosperity by preserving freedom of the seas.
As a Navy reservist, Canizaro serves with Navy Operational Support Center Orlando as the dental petty officer responsible for assisting the dental officer in preparing the unit to be ready anytime and anywhere for deployment.
Canizaro is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Canizaro is most proud of graduating boot camp.
“I got promoted to petty officer third class and officially became leadership,” said Canizaro.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Canizaro, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Canizaro is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I wish to continue the tradition and hopefully even after me,” said Canizaro.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Canizaro and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means a great amount of pride to be able to have this opportunity,” added Canizaro.