MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Jose Rodriguez, from Queens, New York, serves the U.S. Navy as a civilian employee assigned to Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC), Williamsburg, Virginia.
Rodriguez is a 1989 graduate of Hillcrest High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed as a Navy civilian are similar to those found in Queens.
“Growing up, I learned that you can do anything as long as you research how,” said Rodriguez. “I also learned to always stay alert and always stay ready for anything.”
Rodriguez served in the Navy for 27 years before retiring.
“I joined the Navy to fight for truth, justice and the American way,” said Rodriguez. “My brother and my cousin were also in the Navy so it was a family thing.”
Rodriguez’s younger brother joined first, and seeing the changes he went through prompted Rodriguez to join.
“It made him more confident and outgoing,” Rodriguez said. “I wanted to be an operator and one of the rates that BUDS would admit into their program was storekeeper. I also became a storekeeper due to my cousin being a chief storekeeper in the Navy. He strongly suggested it before I apply to any other program.
“All I can say about my time in Special Warfare is that I had an amazing experience. The commands and the people I worked with were awesome. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for them. I will never forget their sacrifice. They taught me the most important thing in life, ‘If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.’ This carried me through the hard times.”
Today, Rodriguez serves as a civilian supporting the Navy at NMRLC.
“What I like best about my job is being able to still serve my country and support the Navy and its mission,” said Rodriguez.
Headed by Capt. Christopher Barnes, NMRLC develops, acquires, produces, fields, sustains, and provides enduring lifecycle support of medical materiel solutions to the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and Joint Forces in high-end competition, crisis, and combat. At the forefront of Navy Medicine’s strategic evolution, NMRLC is well positioned to be the Joint Force’s premier integrated medical logistics support activity.
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.
Rodriguez supports a Navy that operates far 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.”
Rodriguez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military and civil service.
“I’m most proud of making master chief, thanks to my team and my sailors, and being able to work for them and lead them to success,” said Rodriguez. “The most valuable trainings for me were for Suicide Prevention Coordinator and Casualty Assistance Calls Officer. I lost a lot of teammates, and it was very painful. This training helped me understand and assist my sailors in these terrible circumstances. It helped me to deal with guilt and be more compassionate.”
Rodriguez can take pride in serving America.
“Serving in the Navy meant everything to me,” said Rodriguez. “It was a path to do what I needed to do to serve and defend the country. It gave me structure, inclusiveness and a way of life.”