For over half my life, I’ve served our nation. Earlier than representing Texas’ twenty third Congressional District within the U.S. Home of Representatives, I served within the U.S. Navy for 20 years.
My grandfather, Jesus Antonio Pena, was a World Warfare II Military veteran and later labored at Kelly Air Drive Base in San Antonio, Texas. He served 30 years as a civil servant on base as an electrician, which propelled our household into the center class by way of his service. When my grandfather handed, life dealt me a tricky hand. I’ve lived by myself since I used to be 15, working two or three jobs at a time to maintain my head above water. After I was a half-credit away from graduating highschool, I dropped out.
I all the time knew I used to be going to serve. I went to the Military recruiter first, they usually turned me away as a result of I didn’t have a highschool diploma or a GED. My cousin, who was within the Navy, advised I meet with a Navy recruiter. The thought by no means crossed my thoughts, as I didn’t know swim and had no real interest in turning into a sailor. With somewhat convincing, I met with a Navy recruiter in San Antonio — that call modified the course of my life. Just a few weeks later, I used to be pushed into the deep finish of the pool and realized swim at Naval Station Nice Lakes.
As a cryptologist within the Navy, I went on to serve 5 years in Iraq and Afghanistan and deployed all through the Center East and Asia. I obtained my highschool diploma whereas stationed at NAS Pensacola, Florida, and my grasp’s diploma whereas in service as I rose by way of the ranks from E1 to E9 as grasp chief petty officer.
The women and men I served with had their very own life tales, however the frequent denominator that tied us collectively was our love of nation. For younger People who embody the spirit of patriotism, need to work exhausting, and reply the next calling — the navy is a wonderful path with countless alternatives.
Sadly, our navy is presently going through a recruitment and retention disaster. In fiscal 2023, three navy service branches — the Military, Navy and Air Drive — failed to satisfy recruitment objectives.
As a grasp chief, I by no means judged my fellow sailors primarily based on their race, faith, ethnicity, or different private attributes. Benefit guidelines the day and the drive to propel our mission ahead is crucial side of the job. In any case, I joined the Navy by way of a program that allowed people to enlist and not using a highschool diploma.
Earlier this yr, the Navy introduced that it’s bringing again the same program — opening the door for extra younger recruits to start a profession within the navy. By way of the addition of a number of new recruiting packages, the Navy was capable of hit its recruitment purpose for this yr. I urge all service branches to think about the same technique.
That stated, recruiting new service members is just half the battle. We should additionally give attention to retaining the expertise we have already got in our navy. Poor high quality of life is a deciding think about leaving any employer. Dwelling situations, entry to wholesome meals, baby care, housing upkeep and an absence of fresh workspaces have pushed many gifted service members to seek out different alternatives. The women and men who answered the decision to serve deserve higher initiatives to enhance their high quality of life.
As a member of the Home Appropriations Committee, I’ve labored extensively to safe funding that can advance this purpose for our veterans, service members and their households. One of many initiatives I’ve championed is a rise within the Household Separation Allowance, or FSA, from $250 to $400 per thirty days. This important change, enacted as a part of the fiscal 2024 Nationwide Protection Authorization Act, represented the primary enhance in 20 years for navy households separated on account of responsibility station assignments. This long-overdue adjustment ensures our navy households obtain the assist they deserve throughout difficult occasions of separation.
All through our historical past, a number of generations of service members have joined the ranks to combat for our freedoms. I’ve not overlooked the truth that pages of my story would have regarded very totally different had I not been given the chance to enlist.
The Navy is the one service up to now that has reopened the choice to recruit those that lack a highschool diploma however are in any other case certified to affix the service. For the sake of navy readiness, I encourage all providers to observe swimsuit. You by no means know when the following recruit could grow to be a frontrunner within the service or stroll the halls of Congress.
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales represents Texas’ twenty third Congressional District within the U.S. Home of Representatives. Gonzales is the highest-ranked enlisted service member to ever serve in Congress.
