Monday, November 24, 2025

San Diego native earns Korean Defense Service Medal

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Dominick Garcia recently earned the Korean Defense Service Medal for serving on active duty in support of the defense of South Korea. Dominick is from San Diego, California, and his parents, Aurora Quinonez and Miguel Garcia, currently reside in San Diego.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist
1st Class Desmond Parks



In addition to the Korean Defense Service Medal, Garcia was previously named the Bluejacket of the Quarter twice in 2024 and twice this year. Garcia was also recognized at the USO Six Star Salute for showing exemplary leadership potential and strengthening the alliance between the U.S. and Republic of Korea.

“I feel honored to earn these awards,” said Garcia. “This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but the support and teamwork of those around me. I’m grateful to my leadership, my peers, and my family for pushing me to be better every day, both professionally and personally. I’ll continue to serve with pride, lead by example, and uphold the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.

Garcia graduated from Montgomery High School in 2021 and joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Garcia serves as an information systems technician at Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK).

The mission of CNFK is to provide leadership and expertise in naval matters to the Republic of Korea by improving institutional and operational effectiveness between the two navies, strengthening the collective security efforts in Korea and the region.

Garcia can join other sailors serving around the world commemorating a major milestone as the U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

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.

As Garcia and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy and protecting the American way of life.