SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Darcel Xochihua, a native of Houma, Louisiana, serves in the U.S. Navy with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Allison |
Xochihua graduated from H.L. Bourgeois High School in 2017.
Xochihua joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Xochihua serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy for financial opportunities and benefits,” said Xochihua. "I also loved how open the Navy was about tattoo policies."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houma.
“The main benefit of having multiple places I call home is early exposure to different personalities and cultures,” said Xochihua. "The best part is being done with one place; you can move on to the next one and learn lessons from that."
According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC serves as the single point of contact in support of installation and operational commanders, providing medical information, support and over medical cognizance of the active duty and reserve force.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Xochihua serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Xochihua has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making it to four years and counting,” said Xochihua. "I am also proud of being fortunate enough to live in Okinawa, Japan for three years. Especially because four years ago, I didn't even know where Okinawa was."
Xochihua can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means necessary sacrifice,” said Xochihua. "By no means did I plan on joining, but I know many people feel stuck where they are now and wish they could be in my shows. I also know the opportunities on the horizon for myself and my future family."
Xochihua is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank the Lord first and foremost,” added Xochihua. "I would also like to thank all my friends and family who not only hold it down but also keep me humble."