GULFPORT, Miss. — Army Private Second Class Cristian Puello Santos, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is currently training with U.S. Navy Seabees in Gulfport, Mississippi.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Milwaukee.
“I learned the importance of teamwork and being comfortable in an uncomfortable position,” Puello Santos said.
Puello Santos joined the Army six months ago. Today, Puello Santos serves as a carpentry and masonry specialist.
“I wanted to learn the military structure and apply it in my personal life,” Puello Santos said. “I was also interested in growing personally and professionally.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Puello Santos has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud to compete with people much younger than me and keep up with them,” Puello Santos said. “Most of my fellow soldiers are 18, 19 years old or so, and I'm 38.”
Puello Santos serves a military that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“My youngest sister is in the Army, and when she told me about her experiences, I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” Puello Santos said. “It's an honor to serve and help others around the world.”
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.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Milwaukee.
“I learned the importance of teamwork and being comfortable in an uncomfortable position,” Puello Santos said.
Puello Santos joined the Army six months ago. Today, Puello Santos serves as a carpentry and masonry specialist.
“I wanted to learn the military structure and apply it in my personal life,” Puello Santos said. “I was also interested in growing personally and professionally.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Puello Santos has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud to compete with people much younger than me and keep up with them,” Puello Santos said. “Most of my fellow soldiers are 18, 19 years old or so, and I'm 38.”
Puello Santos serves a military that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“My youngest sister is in the Army, and when she told me about her experiences, I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” Puello Santos said. “It's an honor to serve and help others around the world.”
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.