MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Cruz, a native of Orlando, Florida, serves the Navy assigned to Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command Detachment Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity (NMRLC DET NORA) Quantico, Virginia.
Cruz is a 2015 Boone High School graduate.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Orlando.
“My mother was a single parent, raising four boys around the same age, working full time — pretty much the actual Wonder Woman — and she ran a tight ship,” Cruz said. “In all aspects of my life to this day, I bring that same attention to detail, discipline and punctuality that was instilled in me as a kid. Those traits have helped me excel in my career in the Navy as well as the medical field.”
Cruz joined the Navy 10 years ago.
“One of my grandfathers’ famous family quotes is, ‘Get a job in county, state, federal,’” Cruz said. “A large portion of my relatives have served or are currently serving, including one of my three brothers. Thinking back on my childhood now, my upbringing was heavily influenced by the military. Joining the military almost felt like going from fifth to sixth grade. My brother, Carlos L. Cruz Jr., joined the Navy in 2013. My mother, Desiree Cruz, was beside herself to see one of her little birds leave the nest, but extremely proud and supportive of his decision. At his basic training graduation, I could see a weight lifted off my mom’s shoulders, knowing that her son is in great hands. So, following in my brother’s footsteps, I enlisted in 2015 to become a Navy corpsman just like my brother.”
Today, Cruz serves as a hospital corpsman.
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.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
Cruz serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Cruz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being named Optician of the Year for 2022,” Cruz said. “I give 110% every day and don’t expect anything in return. To be honest, I didn’t even know that was a thing. My supervisor, Lt. Cmdr. Rafferty insisted on putting my name in the hat, and after some convincing, I did. Seeing the trophy now reminds me to believe in myself and those who support me.”
Cruz also earned a letter of commendation from Capt. Andrew Lin, commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Fort Belvoir, after volunteering to participate in the Joint Trauma System Valkyrie course while serving in a support role at the Fort Belvoir Optometry Department. The Joint Trauma System Valkyrie course prepares multidisciplinary medical teams to operate emergency fresh whole blood transfusion programs during large-scale combat operations and in maritime environments where traditional medical infrastructure may be limited or unavailable.
“This was not just any volunteer event,” said Cmdr. Christopher Paulett, Defense Health Agency Quantico, Naval Health Clinic. “HM2 Cruz went above and beyond by allowing medical technicians to draw his blood, blood-type test it, and then put it back into his body. His dedication to this real-time training is a testament to his commitment to the readiness and effectiveness of our military medics and corpsmen. Hands-on training like this is so important to make sure our medical teams are ready to handle tough situations. HM2 Cruz really stepped up and showed what it means to go the extra mile.”
Cruz can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a great deal to me, because I am in a position to better support my family and give them peace of mind that I’m successful and thriving,” Cruz said.
Cruz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for being my anchor and support system this time,” Cruz said. “Special shout-out to my mom for being my biggest supporter through the ups and downs. Love You!”