Piecing it all Together

AT SEA

04.11.2017

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ahron Arendes 

USS Nimitz (CVN 68)   

Thoughts of a more difficult time fill a barrel-chested, strong-necked USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailor's head as he gets ready to take on the weight. The bar drops to his chest, and with all of his strength he goes to battle as muscles contract, his teeth grimace and the bar slowly raises. The struggle to get the bar back up is nothing compared to what he's endured in his life.

Engineman 1st Class Garrett A. Rochon, a native of Seattle, endured and overcame the struggle of alcohol dependence and now uses the physical and mental strength he developed to help those in need, as well as his fellow Sailors.

"I am a recovering alcoholic going on eight years of sobriety," said Rochon. "I was close to losing everything."

Rochon said he never considered himself an alcoholic, and it took an ultimatum from his wife for him to come to terms with it. She told him he needed to seek help or she would leave him and take the kids with her, which eventually happened. He soon realized he had hit rock bottom, and he needed to find a way to climb out.

It took him so long to realize his problem because he was a functioning alcoholic. He still received high evaluations, and during his 13-year career, he has never been late for work. His decision was made, though. The issues at home were more than enough reason for him to seek help.
"I contacted the command Drug and Alcohol Program Advocate (DAPA) and figured out how I could get treatment," said Rochon. "From there I went to outpatient treatment for 30 days, but once I completed the treatment the biggest help was the support of my family and friends. I told them what was going on, and they have been by my side ever since."
Rochon said he felt his life was always headed in the right direction. He just had to open his eyes and see himself through someone else's perspective to understand he needed guidance. It took him three years into his sobriety to feel like he had control of his life.

Despite all Rochon has gone through, he took the lessons he learned from the help he received, and he has become a humanitarian, leader, and an example of fitness.

"I was in denial for years and declined the help that was reaching [out] to me until it was too late, and I was at rock bottom," said Rochon. "I feel a responsibility to help those in need when I have the chance. We should be able to help these people find jobs, housing, treatment, or at least provide the resources they need to get back on their feet."

Rochon has planned a few community relations (COMREL) events which give Nimitz Sailors a chance to help those in need.

"I just want to give back to the community that helped me grow into the man I am today," said Rochon.

The COMRELs he organized were a backpack drive for Denny International Middle School, the school he went to when he was young, and a blanket drive and essential sack drive for homeless people in West Seattle, his hometown.

Rochon said he believes a person should always try to give back to their community.

These actions will hopefully create a ripple effect of kind gestures throughout the area. The goal is to make one's hometown greater than it was before, no matter how large or small the gesture.

Rochon's leadership skills as a leading petty officer for Nimitz's reactor auxiliary division is also nothing to be called into question. He has taken the lessons he learned and his passion for helping those around him directly into his work center to create an enjoyable, successful atmosphere. Due to his leadership, he was named Nimitz 2016 Senior Sailor of the Year.

"He is an amazing leader," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Arnold Blake, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. "He has his times where he is rough, but it is always out of love. No matter what, I have never felt like he wasn't there for me."

Blake said bad leadership isn't even a factor with Rochon, and he brings their whole division together. There are instances when it's a challenge working for him because he sees the potential everyone has, so he pushes them to strive for their best. There is never a dull moment in the workplace because of the motivation he brings to the table.

The trials of life can teach anyone about themselves. There are many different paths one can take, but Rochon chose the right one.

"It is hard to ask for help at times," said Rochon. "People can't be afraid to set aside their pride and values to ask for the help they need, but that's why it's good to give help because sometimes it's hard to ask."

We all need help sometimes, but when it comes to the bench press Rochon's got it. The face of Rochon reddens, veins pop from his forearms and he slowly starts to exhale. The bar raises off his chest just like his past has. Slowly and methodically, with an almost perfect form he locks his elbows out. This means another weight behind him and another successful day. His workout has just begun, though, just like his leadership on the ship and out in the community.

As Rochon moves forward every day in his recovery process, he extends his hand and experience to those who struggle with addiction. No one should battle it on their own.

• Date Taken: 04.11.2017
• Date Posted: 01.28.2018 19:04
• Story ID: 263597
• Location: AT SEA