MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Ensign Fernando Garcia, a native of San Fernando, California, recently graduated from the U.S. Navy's Officer Development School (ODS) on March 29.
Garcia, a 2013 graduate of San Fernando High School, joined the Navy three months ago. Additionally, Garcia graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and West Coast University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
"I joined the Navy for the opportunity to serve my country as a registered nurse and care for members that serve our country," said Garcia. "It will provide me the platform to make a difference on a different scale."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Fernando.
"Being raised in the San Fernando Valley, offered me the community of teachers that inspired me to think outside the box," said Garcia. "Morningside Elementary and San Fernando High School introduced me to teachers who gave me space to express myself and feel like I could do anything I chose to pursue. Joel Herrera and Violet Mardirosian have been a couple of teachers who helped pave the way. California Dance Academy in Chatsworth, California, with mentors like Randall Graham, and teachers, Jennifer Shahani, Robbin Shahani and Laurie DeBlanc, helped me find something in me that will be in my heart forever as a ballet dancer and as a human being. My hometown taught me that with discipline, hard work and focus, anything is possible."
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.
Garcia will serve as a Nurse Corps officer at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia.
"Graduating ODS is one of the biggest accomplishments of my life so far," said Garcia. "I have been able to develop a side of me that has improved on discipline and teamwork than ever before. I have learned a lot in these five weeks, including the military as a community and where I belong in the military."
Garcia has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest Navy accomplishment is completing my five-week ODS training," said Garcia. "I would have never thought I could partake in training like this. Not coming from a military family or having many military friends, I really walked into ODS blind. I'm proud of all the knowledge I gained and the commitment and discipline throughout the process."
Garcia serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"To me, serving in the Navy means that I have the opportunity to help my country and the people who serve willingly with honor, courage and commitment every day," said Garcia.
Garcia is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"Though I can’t possibly name everyone, I would specifically like to thank my family: my mom, dad, brothers, Carlos and Julian, Karina Lira, Julian Cabrera and Mallory B.," added Garcia. "Additionally, I'd like to thank my life mentor, Randall G., the Herrera family, my College View family and my ballet family from the California Dance Academy. Lastly, I’d like to thank every single person who believed in me and supported me the whole way through."
"'Everything you lose is a step you take. So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it. You’ve got no reason to be afraid. You’re on your own kid. You always have been."' - Taylor Swift.
Garcia serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"To me, serving in the Navy means that I have the opportunity to help my country and the people who serve willingly with honor, courage and commitment every day," said Garcia.
Garcia is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"Though I can’t possibly name everyone, I would specifically like to thank my family: my mom, dad, brothers, Carlos and Julian, Karina Lira, Julian Cabrera and Mallory B.," added Garcia. "Additionally, I'd like to thank my life mentor, Randall G., the Herrera family, my College View family and my ballet family from the California Dance Academy. Lastly, I’d like to thank every single person who believed in me and supported me the whole way through."
"'Everything you lose is a step you take. So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it. You’ve got no reason to be afraid. You’re on your own kid. You always have been."' - Taylor Swift.