I am sure everyone has noticed the ship selection video has gone viral. I posted it in the spirit of this Midshipman's accomplishments, his confidence, and his excitement to reach yet another milestone at one of the toughest colleges in the nation. And sadly, I was shown yet again that people, and mostly fellow services members, just can't be civil. Let me tell you about the human being (because ya'll seem to have forgotten that fact) on the other side of this video. This young man is a dynamic, inspirational, and extremely influential leader in his class and at the Naval Academy (This will only increase exponentially when he gets to the Fleet.) He demonstrates more maturity, attention to detail, efficiency, servant leadership skills, and get it done attitude than I see in most of the JOs rolling around the Navy. The SWO Community had to FIGHT for him because the Marine Corps was heavily recruiting him. We SWOs will be better because he chose to be one. He is impressive; a force to get behind and encourage to his fullest potential. This young man knows who he is and is true to himself, ALWAYS. Half of us been running around here for decades, some still are, trying to figure out who we are as people. Or you know and have been living a double life out of fear of what people might think. I know it took me 28 years to start getting to the point that I was wholly comfortable with myself and to learn to ignore what the world thinks. This young man right here! Being so young and already there?! We ALL could really learn so much from him and how he expressed HIS well deserved excitement at HIS accomplishments and him taking the next step to serve his country in the Navy, about to graduate from the United States Naval Academy. If you disagree with it and for some reason feel overwhelmed with the need to criticize then be constructive and civil.
Jarred
Red Villamil I am beyond proud of you and not just because of all this. I knew from the day you approached me as a Plebe that you are the bright future of the Navy. I am a better leader, officer, and, most importantly, a better person to have known you and I am excited to be able to serve with you in the future. This may seem backwards for an LT to say to a First Class Midshipman, not only am I honored to soon serve with you I would be honored to follow you into any situation, combat or otherwise, without hesitation. I know my life would be safe and the mission would be met with precision and excellence under your natural leadership.
#SWOsohard #Wehavemuchtolearnfromyou #Alwaysbetruetoyou#IwishIwasgoingtoyourship #Proudofyou