Like father. Like son.

Recently, Jose celebrated 10 years of honorable service in the Navy Reserve, playing a key role in the Navy’s humanitarian missions. Jose makes sure that whenever critical aid and supplies are needed, his ship is stocked and prepared to deliver anywhere around the world. Ask Jose if he has any regrets about his dedication to his country and Jose quickly says no. “I wouldn’t trade these ten years in the Navy Reserve for anything. I have the ability to learn and grow as an Officer, and I still have a normal home, family and work life.”

At an early age, Jose had a very real image of what courage, pride, and strength looked like — thanks to his father. Jose’s father served in the Navy for 27 years and retired as a Master Chief Storekeeper. And Jose wanted the same life for himself. A happy family. A successful civilian career. And a military career that makes an impact on the world.

With that path now laid, Jose was ready to walk it.

“I started off as an Enlisted fireman and worked my way up to storekeeper. Then a shipmate talked me into applying for an Officer position, and now after lots of hard work, here I am today. The day that my father pinned me as an Officer, well, that’s one of those crowning moments that stays with you for a lifetime,” says Jose.

Jose finds that the Reserve has given him the flexibility to accomplish his dreams and then some.

“Once you’re in the Navy Reserve, you’ve got the best of both worlds. I’m married. I have kids. I’m a soccer coach. I volunteer in my community and I’m active in church. On top of all that, I’m an account manager at a telecommunications company. Thanks to a flexible training schedule, the Reserve helps my home life and civilian job flourish.”

Jose’s dad is pretty proud of Jose too.