NAVAL ACTIVITY PUERTO RICO, Puerto Rico - During the 927th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion’s annual training, Sgt. 1st Class Wally Marin and Sgt. Fernando Gonzalez were able to reminisce and spend time with family and friends at a place where they once called home - Puerto Rico.
In 1968, David Marin, along with his wife and eight children, moved to Puerto Rico because of the Dominican Republic revolution. Wally Marin was 10-years-old at the time and excited about his father’s decision.
“This trip has been memorable because I was able to see the areas where my father used to talk about,” said Marin, who moved to New York at the age of 16.
“Things changed a lot,” said Marin. “But many streets brought back detailed memories from when I was younger. The house I used to live in is still there, so is the barber shop.”
Marin, who now has more than 34 years in the Florida National Guard, said he was overcome with emotion during his trip because he now wears the United States Army uniform on the streets where his family once struggled.
“I have been blessed with so many opportunities in the United States, and to come back here where there are so many great people, who love their land so much, with so few opportunities reminds me how my father struggled here 40 years ago,” Marin said. “Now look at me, I am in uniform visiting once again, with a family, a great job and good health. It is all so overwhelming. I am very blessed.”
Marin said he was thankful that the unit allowed him to go explore the land which was once home to him. Marin’s feelings are echoed by Gonzalez, who was the first baby born in Puerto Rico in the year 1980.
“My morale has been boasted by this,” said Gonzalez, a cook with the 927th. “It was a privilege to visit my family and do [annual training] at the same time. I received a pass to go home for a day and enjoy some of my mom’s delicious food. The command, the Guard has been good to me, but in return they see my service. I try to go the extra mile, and I feel they reward me for that.”
When it came time to allowing soldiers downtime during annual training, 1st Sgt. Robert Jackson said he didn’t have to think twice.
“Family and mission have intertwined priorities,” Jackson said. “It is about knowing your soldiers and helping them take advantage of opportunities. When we get opportunities – whether it is extended drills or during annual training – I take advantage to get to know my soldiers, so I can look out for their best interest.”
The 927th CSSB is conducting collaborative training in Puerto Rico with the Puerto Rico National Guard by purifying water for the local government, conducting maintenance, and by providing food services, transportation, personnel and supply support, which is allowing soldiers to work in their assigned military occupation specialties during the unit’s annual training.
| Date Taken: |
06.16.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
06.16.2011 09:48 |
| Story ID: |
72174 |
| Location: |
NAVAL ACTIVITY PUERTO RICO, PR |
| Web Views: |
63 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, Florida Guardsmen return to their roots during Annual Training, by SGT Michael Baltz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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