MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Ensign Axel Checa, a native of the Bronx, New York, recently graduated from the U.S. Navy's Officer Development School (ODS) on Mar. 29.
Checa earned a bachelor's degree in sculpture in 2017 from Queens College. Additionally, Checa earned a master's degree in architecture from City College of New York in 2020.
Checa joined the Navy 11 months ago.
"I have always wanted to serve in the military," said Checa. "My biggest goal growing up was to obtain my college degree. It took years of dedication, persistence and side jobs to get my associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees. I fought for my education and was determined to build a solid foundation for my future. After completing what I set out to do, I knew I could achieve anything. It was time to use what I had learned in order to serve my country. During the pandemic, I was living in Queens next to a hospital. The first few weeks of the lockdown were tough. Businesses were closed, we had a shortage of basic supplies and every evening silent ambulances and trucks would transport the massive amounts of casualties lost to COVID. I remember banging pots and pans outside my window to honor the first responders every night at 7 p.m. It was the only remnant of community we had during the isolation. I felt completely helpless and needed to figure out a way to use my skill set to help my city. I googled architectural jobs in the Navy and the Civil Engineer Corps came up. I started reading about the Seabees and a fire ignited in me. For the first time in my small studio apartment, I felt hope. I submitted my application that summer in 2020."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Bronx.
"Growing up in my hometown came with a very specific type of freedom," said Checa. "Freedom to be who you wanted, to go where you wanted and to dress how you wanted. There are so many different countries you can visit in one day just by going to Queens for lunch. The different cultures, camaraderie, competition and humor are amazing. I’m able to look people in the eyes, talk to anyone and relate to anything because of this vibrant bustling environment that I call home. There are thousands of stories I could tell you about resiliency, pride and vulnerability. Becoming a naval officer will fine-tune these attributes and add a higher level of humility and honor. I am very excited to represent my culture, community and hometown as a naval officer.
"I have always wanted to serve in the military," said Checa. "My biggest goal growing up was to obtain my college degree. It took years of dedication, persistence and side jobs to get my associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees. I fought for my education and was determined to build a solid foundation for my future. After completing what I set out to do, I knew I could achieve anything. It was time to use what I had learned in order to serve my country. During the pandemic, I was living in Queens next to a hospital. The first few weeks of the lockdown were tough. Businesses were closed, we had a shortage of basic supplies and every evening silent ambulances and trucks would transport the massive amounts of casualties lost to COVID. I remember banging pots and pans outside my window to honor the first responders every night at 7 p.m. It was the only remnant of community we had during the isolation. I felt completely helpless and needed to figure out a way to use my skill set to help my city. I googled architectural jobs in the Navy and the Civil Engineer Corps came up. I started reading about the Seabees and a fire ignited in me. For the first time in my small studio apartment, I felt hope. I submitted my application that summer in 2020."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Bronx.
"Growing up in my hometown came with a very specific type of freedom," said Checa. "Freedom to be who you wanted, to go where you wanted and to dress how you wanted. There are so many different countries you can visit in one day just by going to Queens for lunch. The different cultures, camaraderie, competition and humor are amazing. I’m able to look people in the eyes, talk to anyone and relate to anything because of this vibrant bustling environment that I call home. There are thousands of stories I could tell you about resiliency, pride and vulnerability. Becoming a naval officer will fine-tune these attributes and add a higher level of humility and honor. I am very excited to represent my culture, community and hometown as a naval officer.
ODS is one of four officer accession programs operating at Officer Training Command Newport, Rhode Island. This is the final step in a sailor’s transition into the Naval Officer Corps. This course is comprehensive, intense and designed to reinforce understanding of the responsibilities of a naval officer.
Checa will serve as a civil engineering corps officer following ODS.
"Graduating ODS is something I will remember for the rest of my life," said Checa. For me, the 'D' in ODS stands for discipline. It is the starting point of my Navy career and the teamwork of so many dedicated professionals who believed in me and pushed each and every one of us to the limits in order to mold and shape us into naval officers. That mentality is what I will take into the fleet with me."
Checa has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest Navy accomplishment is being allowed to lead as the division officer for the Seabees of New York City," said Checa. We have over 100 talented sailors in this construction battalion detachment and a wealth of knowledge to be gained and received. I am truly honored to report there as my next duty station and meet with the chiefs to create some exciting memories."
Checa serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"Serving in the Navy means pushing myself to be better each day in every aspect of my life, both personally and professionally," added Checa. "It means being confident enough to lead by example and humble enough to always be open to learning new things."