SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Octavio Torres, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, serves in the U.S. Navy with Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Allison |
Torres graduated from Sunny Slope High School graduated in 2016.
Torres joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Torres serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities and overall guidance in a career and life path,” said Torres. "Additionally, while serving, I was given the opportunity to assist my parents in receiving citizenship in the U.S."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Phoenix.
“Growing up, my teachers and friends often told me the famous Henry Ford quote, 'Whether you think you can or can't, you’re right,'” said Torres. "This has always stuck with me and allowed me to not be afraid to go for what is difficult."
In support of the U.S. Navy Surgeon General, NMFP provides command and control of all subordinate Navy Medicine Readiness Training Commands (NMRTCs), Readiness Training Units (NMRTUs) and assigned operational platforms to ensure they are fully trained, properly manned and capably equipped to be forward deployable and ready to execute operational medicine responsibilities in support of warfighter requirements, according to Navy officials.
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.
Torres 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.”
Torres has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is completing six-month deployments with both the USNS Comfort and USS Halsey,” said Torres. "It allowed me to see life in a bigger perspective and have the experience of helping those in need."
Torres can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means the protection and the betterment of my family and those who are serving with me,” said Torres. "The Navy has given me the means to further my education, provide for my family, and assist me with my parent's citizenship, so when I think of the Navy, I think of family."
Torres is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my friends, Edwin and Kayla, who are now godparents to my daughter, Liliana,” added Torres. "They have been there for me and my family every step of the way as a helping and guiding hand."