By Petty Officer 3rd Class Jerome Fjeld, Navy Office of Community Outreach
WILLIAMSBURG, VA. — Petty Officer 1st Class Iwomi Valdiviezo, a native of Davie, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group operating out of Norfolk.
Valdiviezo graduated in 2011 from Hollywood Hills High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Davie.
“Growing up, I learned to be bigger than the environment that I grew up in,” said Valdiviezo. “I also learned to always exceed standards.”
Valdiviezo joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Valdiviezo serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something different than what was expected of me,” said Valdiviezo. “Most people were going to college and I wanted to do something else.”
Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, is made up of more than 3,300 personnel assigned to three regiments and seven battalions across the United States. Its mission is to deliver worldwide expeditionary logistics with active and reserve personnel to provide a wide range of supply and transportation support critical for peacetime efforts, crisis response, humanitarian, and combat service missions.
Serving in the Navy means Valdiviezo is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because it ensures our freedoms,” said Valdiviezo. “The Navy deploys a lot of resources in order to maintain our freedom.”
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Valdiviezo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was becoming an information systems technician,” said Valdiviezo. “I am also proud of getting promoted to Petty Officer 1st Class.”
As Valdiviezo and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to explore what I want to do with my life,” said Valdiviezo. “The Navy sets you up for success and allows you to explore different career fields.”
Valdiviezo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family and my significant other,” added Valdiviezo. “Once they accepted the fact, I was joining the military, they have been supportive.”
“If you are thinking about joining the military, always stick to your goals,” said Valdiviezo. “Don’t let stress and the environment dictate your success.”
