MANILA, Philippines - Ensign Maria Josefa D. Veloria, a
Filipina born of a Filipino father and mother, and who credits her
disciplined upbringing with her distinguished record in the US Navy, is
part of the crew of the USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) that docked Friday at
the Manila Harbor for a four-day visit.
Fondly called “Pepay” by her family and relatives, Veloria
was enlisted in the United States Navy as a Logistics Specialist and
graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois,
ranking first out of 800 sailors in Military Excellence.
Her first sea tour was onboard the USS Benfold (DDG 65)
home-ported in San Diego, California where she served as Financial
Specialist and later sent to the University of San Diego to complete her
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, graduating as a cum laude.
In 2010 she extended her studies in Paris, France.
Veloria is currently a Surface Warfare Officer onboard the
USS Blue Ridge (LCC19) stationed in Yokosuka, Japan where she is
managing a division of 40 personnel and is in charge of the ship’s
Search and Rescue Program.
The eldest of six children, Pepay was born June 14, 1986.
Living on their own inside a military camp, the family learned to
survive without any house help, with all the children doing the
household chores, washing the dishes, cleaning the house, doing the
laundry, ironing the clothes.
When the children migrated to the United States, their
independence proved to be very helpful and useful as they lived on their
own tending to themselves. According to the mother, Maryjo very much
admired the women in uniform. She was very hands-on, she loves order,
she loves talking care and looking after her siblings----a very
responsible child indeed.
It is a bit intriguing how Pepay joined the Navy along
with three of her other siblings. The other four of the six children
also joined the US Navy: Maria Christina, to be commissioned this May,
finished at the top of her class, also a Nursing degree holder; Michael
Jomari taking up Engineering at the University of San Diego; Gabriel on
his 1st year as Cadet in the USNA or United States Naval Academy and a
Commandant’s Lister; Maria Luzviminda, currently waiting for her Naval
Academy appointment.
Mom’s called ‘Navie’
Could it be a sign or is it coincidental enough that even
their mother’s name, Navie Veloria, resembles that of the branch of
military service they belong to? Probably yes.
The children had very different dreams and very different
plans for their future until they went to the mall one day and in jest
walked into one of the recruitment centers for the United States Armed
Forces or USAF. Right then and there they recognized that what they
really want for themselves can be given by the USAF. They took the exam,
passed it, and enlisted themselves in the United States Armed Forces,
later joining the United States Navy.
Accident, coincidence or perhaps a blessing in disguise? Probably all.
Pepay wanted to be the best of what she can be and she
thinks that goal can be achieved by serving in the US Navy, at the same
time fulfilling her dreams by serving in the military. In their early
life, the mother had encouraged the children to try to look at their
father as their hero. Their father, Brigadier General Mariano Veloria
AFP, of PMA Class ’79, is currently the Brigade Commander of the 53rd
Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.
The success of Pepay and her other siblings is an example
of how hard work, dedication, self-discipline, a clear and right mindset
can make one’s dreams come true.
US Navy carrier docks in Manila harbor
The battleship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) arrived and docked Friday at Pier 15 at the Manila harbor.
The military said it was to stay in the country for four
days amid the brewing regional security and stability conflict in
disputed Spratly Islands located in between the South China Sea and West
Philippine Sea.
Its arrival also comes amid debates on whether seeking
expanded US military presence would be good for the Philippines as North
Korea ratchets up the tension with its plan to launch a satellite atop a
long-range missile next month in honor of its founder Kim Il-Sung.
The UN Security Council and the US have condemned such
satellite launches as a cover for developing missiles that could be used
to deliver nuclear weapons.
Commissioned on November 14, 1970, the carrier is the lead
ship of two Blue Ridge-class command ships of the US Navy which primary
role is to provide command, communications, computers and intelligence
(C4I) support to the commander and staff of the Seventh Fleet.
According to Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar
Tonsay, the ship has on board 36 officers and 442 enlisted personnel
commanded by Capt. Daniel Grieco.
No to bases, but yes to VFA: Aquino
President Benigno Aquino III has thumbed down a possible
return of US bases in the country but he agrees to the increase of
visiting US forces as his administration rushes to modernize the war
materiel of the Armed Forces for territorial defense.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said they have at least
138 modernization projects which include upgrade capability and
acquisition of modern naval and air assets due for signing on July.
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Jaime Sinapit | InterAksyon.com | March 25, 2012 | Article Link
