MAYPORT, Florida - Last Saturday, a Ponce, Puerto Rico, native proudly celebrated Armed Forces Day and his service to his country as a member of the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Reserve Component (NR COMUSNAVSO/C4F).
Personnel Specialist Chief Angel Vegacolon, a 1997 graduate from Ponce High School and a 2015 graduate from Columbia College, is currently on active duty orders and serves as the global leave administrator and as operational support assistant for U.S. 4th Fleet.
Vegacolon joined the Navy 23 years ago and transitioned to the Navy Reserve in 2010.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and experience new things,” Vegacolon said.
According to Vegacolon the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
According to Vegacolon the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
"My parents, especially my dad, were very strict about responsibility and being on time,” said Vegacolon. “For me, it was not hard to adapt to the Navy's values because I learned them from home.”
“We demand the highest standards from our sailors both professionally and personally,” said Capt. Richard Lofgren, commanding officer of NR COMUSNAVSO/C4F. "Chief Vegacolon is the epitome of these standards and his exemplary behavior is an example of how all military members—active or reserve—should carry themselves every day both in uniform and out.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Vegacolon is most proud of earning the rank of chief petty officer.
“I have no regrets joining and being in the Navy for 23 years,” said Vegacolon. “I think it was the best decision I ever made.”
Vegacolon comes from a history of military service and is proud to continue a family tradition.
“My father served in the Puerto Rican National Guard for 36 years,” Vegacolon said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve, Vegacolon, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing the Navy the nation needs.
The month of May marks Military Appreciation Month, and includes Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving in the military, and Memorial Day, which honors the sacrifices of those who died while serving their country. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of May and stems from the unification of the armed forces under the Department of Defense.
Navy Reserve, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet provides continuous support to its active-duty counterpart and U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.
“We demand the highest standards from our sailors both professionally and personally,” said Capt. Richard Lofgren, commanding officer of NR COMUSNAVSO/C4F. "Chief Vegacolon is the epitome of these standards and his exemplary behavior is an example of how all military members—active or reserve—should carry themselves every day both in uniform and out.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Vegacolon is most proud of earning the rank of chief petty officer.
“I have no regrets joining and being in the Navy for 23 years,” said Vegacolon. “I think it was the best decision I ever made.”
Vegacolon comes from a history of military service and is proud to continue a family tradition.
“My father served in the Puerto Rican National Guard for 36 years,” Vegacolon said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve, Vegacolon, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing the Navy the nation needs.
The month of May marks Military Appreciation Month, and includes Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving in the military, and Memorial Day, which honors the sacrifices of those who died while serving their country. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of May and stems from the unification of the armed forces under the Department of Defense.
Navy Reserve, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet provides continuous support to its active-duty counterpart and U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.