SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Neilia Reeves, from the Bronx, New York, serves in the U.S. Navy with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Allison |
Reeves graduated from Samuel Gompers High School in 2009.
Reeves joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Reeves serves as a hospital corpsman.
“The Navy offers various career paths and educational benefits,” said Reeves. “I joined to take advantage of those opportunities and to travel the world with my family.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in The Bronx.
“I learned growing up the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness,” said Reeves. "Making the best out of limited resources, I learned how to be resourceful and adapt to changing situations. I also learned to be able to think on my feet and make the most of what I have which is key to success.”
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.
Reeves 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.”
Reeves has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud to advance in rank to petty officer 3rd class because it shows that all my hard work has paid off,” said Reeves.
Reeves can take pride in serving America through military service.
“There's a source of pride in wearing this uniform because I know that I am part of a tradition of service and sacrifice,” said Reeves.
Reeves is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my mother, Jacqueline Appleton,” added Reeves. “As a single mother, I watched her sacrifice and work hard to provide for six kids. I've learned early on that nothing comes easy. You have to work hard for what you want.”