In Navy terminology, “hard pack” refers to tubs of ice cream left in communal areas for the crew to enjoy. A tub of white chocolate macadamia nut ice cream could send morale soaring. “My job was to ensure the command had all the essentials needed to accomplish its mission,” Bollhorst said. “But sometimes the little treats that brighten someone’s day are just as important.”
“Growing up, the fastest and easiest way for me to learn was to do anything that involved mechanical components and using my hands,” Acosta said. “It’s all hands-on in the Navy. You have to be able to figure out what the issue is.”
“When I found out I won the Military Excellence Award, I was very surprised,” Colletta said. “I always tried to do my best at everything, but I also tried to find a balance between focusing on the task at hand and building bonds with my fellow recruits. There were a number of recruits in my division who were of high enough caliber for this award, so I’m honored to have stood out in such a disciplined and motivated group.”
“One of my friends in high school had a father who was in the Navy, and that friend was planning to go into the Navy. So, I talked with him and decided it would be something I might be interested in.”
Breeden also has a message for anyone who considers joining the military. “Serving in the military is not as scary as people think,” Breeden added.
“I learned early on to be responsible and take accountability for mistakes,” Sawyer said. “I also learned to let people correct me without taking it personally. All of these things have helped me in adapting to Navy life.”
“It wasn’t so much what I learned from my hometown, but from my parents in particular, that has helped me be successful in the Navy,” Flores said. “I learned punctuality, organization, honor and respect from them. Both of my parents served in the Navy, so I feel that, unbeknownst to me at the time, I was always a sailor in training. A funny story comes from when I got to boot camp and realized sailors rolled their socks. I laughed because I’ve been rolling mine since I was a child, thanks to my salty parents.”
Miller joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Miller serves as an explosive ordnance disposal technician.
“I wanted to have adventures and see the world,” Miller said. ”I felt like it was a great opportunity to travel and do some cool stuff.”
“My father served in the Navy for 20 years, and I always looked up to him and what he was able to accomplish,” Shlaffer said. “It was hard seeing him leave, and I definitely missed him while he was away, but I also knew he was out there protecting our country and keeping us safe. I take pride in knowing I’m continuing what he started, and I hope that when I have a family one day, I will be the kind of person they can be proud of, too.”
“Growing up, I was a young kid just trying to find a path,” Evans said. “I hooped, but didn’t love it. I didn’t like the college idea, so here I am.” Evans joined the Navy two years ago and today serves as an aviation ordnanceman. “I joined the Navy for different opportunities and to have somewhere new to welcome me,” Evans said.
