MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Ensign Peter Kengere, a sailor from Nairobi, Kenya, will graduate from the U.S. Navy's Officer Candidate School (OCS) on Apr. 19.
Kengere, a 2013 graduate of Northwood University, joined the Navy 16 years ago.
"I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities," said Kengere. "The Navy offered me a chance to finish school, earn my citizenship and provide more stability to support my family here and back home."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Nairobi.
"I learned to respect everyone, find the good when working with others, always seek self-improvement and offer a helping hand whenever possible," said Kengere. "My parents also taught me to be mindful of those around me and seek a common goal of which I am proud to be surrounded by a team that values freedom."
OCS 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.
Kengere was an enlisted chief petty officer before joining OCS and will now serve as a supply officer.
"Graduating from the academy is a dream come true," said Kengere. "I'm glad to have mentors who have guided and corrected me since starting in the Navy as an E-1 and understanding the humbling process of coming up in the ranks."
Kengere has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment is being where I am right now as a naval officer," added Kengere. "All the hard work is coming to fruition. I want to be an example to others chasing their dreams despite facing hard times or rejections. The key is not giving up, re-grouping, self-correcting and trying again."
Kengere serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
Kengere was an enlisted chief petty officer before joining OCS and will now serve as a supply officer.
"Graduating from the academy is a dream come true," said Kengere. "I'm glad to have mentors who have guided and corrected me since starting in the Navy as an E-1 and understanding the humbling process of coming up in the ranks."
Kengere has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment is being where I am right now as a naval officer," added Kengere. "All the hard work is coming to fruition. I want to be an example to others chasing their dreams despite facing hard times or rejections. The key is not giving up, re-grouping, self-correcting and trying again."
Kengere serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.