SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Jessica Belfour, a native of Azusa, California, serves in the U.S. Navy with Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Allison |
Belfour graduated from Gladstone High School in 2010.
Belfour joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Belfour serves as a hospital corpsman.
"I joined the Navy for an opportunity to make a better life for myself and my family," said Belfour. “Also, I wanted to get the opportunity to travel the world and gain new skills and meet people from all over the world.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Azusa.
"Growing up, I learned that having a genuine camaraderie with your teammates is very important for a successful mission,” said Belfour. “Being in marching band, it taught me that if we have mutual trust and respect for each other, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. You can only get so far doing things all by yourself. You need to find other people you can trust and depend on to get the most out of any situation.”
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.
Belfour 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.”
Belfour has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of advancing in rank to petty officer first class because it was the biggest career marker I set for myself within my first couple years of service,” said Belfour.
Belfour can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the military helped me realize service must stem from a place of compassion,” said Belfour. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the sacrifices, camaraderie and dedication of my shipmates. The most effective leaders exemplified compassionate service: being genuine and caring for one another was not merely an emotion, but a motivating factor guiding every mission.”
Belfour is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my grandmother, Florentina Lopez, as she has always pushed me to be better and to work hard for my future,” added Belfour. “She continues to be my rock when it comes to guiding and mentoring me to be a better sailor, wife and mother.”