Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Triniti Lersch | 210924-N-GK686-1031 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sep. 24, 2021) Master-at-Arms...... read more read more
As Chief of the Guard for a compound housing evacuees during Operation Allies Welcome, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jonathan Zelaya’s main job was to maintain safety and security. For one small child, though, Zelaya also served briefly as translator and candy-procurer.
While this gesture may seem unrelated to his job, for Zelaya, a native of Queens, New York, it intrinsically related to why he joined the Navy in the first place—to help people.
“The best gesture we can do as individuals is to help our fellow human beings,” he said. “The simplest gesture to you might be the biggest gesture to another.”
Zelaya’s desire to join the military sprung from a desire to both serve his community and follow the example of his family.
“Ever since I was a young boy, I always had an ambition to be a part of something greater than myself, and I felt the most honorable avenue of approach was by serving in the U.S. military,” said Zelaya. “I have family that have served in both the military and as public servants within their community. Seeing their love, compassion, and enthusiasm for their service ultimately led to my decision.”
When it came time to choose a rate, there was only one option for him.
“I come from a lineage of law enforcement officers both serving as police officers in the city of New York and within federal government agencies. After doing my research, I went down to the recruiting station and I informed them that I wanted to serve, but only if they could assist with obtaining the rating of MA.”
One thing Zelaya loves about being an MA is the range of responsibilities and opportunities.
“My favorite part of my job is the versatility of the MA rating,” said Zelaya. “It’s knowing that you could expand your horizons if you choose to. You can do law enforcement, investigation, expeditionary warfare, harbor patrol, K9 handling etc. Knowing a bit of each aspect of what we do is the most fulfilling part of my job.”
In his time onboard NAS Sigonella, and especially during Operation Allies Welcome, Zelaya’s dedication and skill have caught the attention of his supervisors. “MA1 Zelaya provided superb leadership in the village during the time when our fence line was at maximum capacity to support travelers there, ensuring the safety and security of all persons in the community,” said Lt. Nathan Ouellette, NAS Sigonella security officer. “Additionally, he was a critical element that facilitated mayor and interagency support cells in accomplishing their daily tasks, ensuring the best quality care was provided to our visitors while they were here.”
Zelaya intends to stay in the Navy as long as possible and hopes to become a security officer one day. “With the MA rate, you are to have a professional presence at all times,” said Zelaya, a native of Queens, New York. “More often than not, this is seen as being void of emotions when, in fact, it is mental toughness and a deep emotional awareness. That same emotional awareness gives me a softhearted side to help those in my community and those around me be it a giving ear, a helping hand, or talking heart.”
In his spare time, Zelaya enjoys spending time with his dog Sunny, talking to loved ones, boxing, traveling, and exploring new foods
| Date Taken: | 10.15.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.09.2021 09:16 |
| Story ID: | 408502 |
| Location: | SIGONELLA, IT |
| Hometown: | QUEENS, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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