Profile: PO2 Kevin T.

Name
Kevin T.

Branch of Service
U.S. Navy

Rank
Petty Officer Second Class

Status
Veteran

MOS
Mess management specialist

Time of Service
5 years

Did you deploy? If yes, where and in support of which operation.
I was deployed on the USS Cole. Went on two deployments overseas and I have both my shellback for going over the equator and my blue nose for going over the Arctic Circle

What led you to join the military?
Both of my parents served in the United States Navy as corpsman - that's how they met. I went to Junior ROTC in high school and thought that would be the best thing for me after high school.

What is the single most important lesson you’ve learned while serving?
Having support of your Shipmates and team members

What is your most memorable moment or time during your service? Why?
My most memorable part was going to other countries seeing how other people in in different parts of the world live and that we're not that far different and it was eye opening.

How has the military helped you grow personally and professionally?
To have self-esteem and pride in what you do no matter if it's for pleasure or for work

If you could tell the world anything you want, what would you say? Why?
The world is a small place and we're all humans and we're not different. Languages might be different and our customs but we are humans and we all have the same wants and desires.

What’s the dumbest / most cliche thing you’ve heard someone say in the military?
Scuttlebutt

If you could go back in time and talk with yourself before you joined, what would you say? Why?
Stay with it never give up and stay in the service

What’s been the most unexpected challenged you’ve faced since leaving the military?
Losing my leg was the most challenging part after I left the service had a lot of physical therapy and everything getting used to prosthetic leg.