FROM SUBIC BAY SEAMAN RECRUIT TO NAVY CAPTAIN

Photo By Christina Clarke | Tizon’s wife, Zenia (left), and sister, Nancy (right), place his Captain shoulder boards during his promotion ceremony.  

NAPLES, ITALY

11.02.2018

Story by Christina Clarke 

U.S. Naval Hospital Naples

After over 33 years of service in the United States Navy, Commander Romeo T. Tizon Jr., was promoted to the rank of Captain at U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, Italy, on September 10, 2018.

Born and raised in the Philippines, then Seaman Recruit Romeo T. Tizon enlisted in the United States Navy at U.S. Naval Station Subic Bay, Philippines in October 1984, along with 15 other Filipino nationals. This was his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to achieve a better future. At 20 years old, he completed boot camp in San Diego, CA, and decided to be a Hospital Corpsman. “I knew right then that I would stay in the Navy as long as I could to serve the country that has afforded me so many opportunities to better my life, both personally and professionally,” said Tizon.

Tizon went on to achieve the rank of Chief Petty Officer in September 1995. During his enlisted service, he was selected as the 2003 U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Sailor of the Year and was a Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) Sailor of the Year finalist. He went on to continue his education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from the University of Maryland, a Master of Human Relations degree from the University of Oklahoma, and a Master of Science in Management degree from Troy University. His dedication, perseverance and hard work paid off when he was commissioned an Ensign into the Navy Medical Service Corps in May 1997.

Tizon held various positions within Navy Medicine and the operational Fleet Marine Forces, including serving as Executive Officer, Headquarters & Service Company, 3rd Dental Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group; Health Care Administrator at U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa; Officer-in-Charge, Medical Branch, U.S. Marine Corps Maritime Prepositioning Forces (MPF) Program; Commanding Officer, 3rd Medical Logistics Company, 3rd Marine Logistics Group; Director for Administration for Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River, MD; Regional Logistician and Interim Deputy Chief of Staff, Installation and Logistics (M4), at Navy Medicine East.

As the current Director for Administration at U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, he leads a joint Navy-Army team in providing top-notch operations, logistics, facility, and administrative support to deliver world-class care to over 9,000 enrolled beneficiaries and over 29,000 operational forces in the EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM areas of responsibility.

“As a first-generation immigrant, I can tell you that many of those I grew up with are wondering ‘How is it possible for someone from humble beginnings to achieve the rank of Navy Captain? This is not supposed to happen.’ I can tell you that education, training, dedication, hard work, and unrelenting perseverance makes it all possible. The American dream is alive and well and this country we all love has given us opportunities that allow us to achieve our goals and aspirations, and I am living proof of that,” Tizon said during his commissioning ceremony.

Addressing the enlisted Sailors at the ceremony, “My challenge to you is to continue to grow yourselves personally and professionally. Go to school, listen to your Chiefs and leaders, learn life lessons every single day and make the most of your Naval journey. Take care of yourselves and each other. Never give up on your dreams. The only thing that can stop you from achieving your goals is you - no one else. If I can do it, so can you!”

Tizon closed the ceremony by reminiscing on all that the Navy has afforded him. “The past 33 years have been the best days of my life. At the end of the day, what truly matters is the privilege of serving our Sailors, and the countless relationships and lifetime friendships forged during this journey. Military service is a higher calling and there is no higher honor than to serve our Nation’s best and brightest -- our heroic warfighters and their families. We must not break this sacred trust.”

• Date Taken: 11.02.2018
• Date Posted: 11.02.2018 09:39
• Story ID: 298609
• Location: NAPLES, IT