The son of a Carson, California, resident is serving the U.S. Navy with Navy Recruiting Station Fresno attached to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Golden Gate located in Mountain View, California.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Rich Jacquesgarcia, a Menifee, California, native and 2017 graduate of Paloma Valley high school in Paloma, California, joined the Navy over five years ago.

I was inspired to join the U.S. Navy by my uncle, a retired master sergeant in the Marines who served 27 years, and my late grandfather who served in the U.S. Army, said Jacquesgarcia. I wanted to serve my country in a way they hadn't and be a part of the U.S. Navy team and traditions, as well as create my own path to inspire others.

Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Menifee.

My hometown taught me that you are a product of your own environment if you let it happen, said Jacquesgarcia. Without guidance, it's very easy to fall into a bad path. No matter what you want in success, nothing will stop you.

Today, Jacquesgarcia serves as both an engineman and Navy Talent Scout.

As an engineman, I love the technical skills my job brings me, and the way it always keeps me on my toes, said Jacquesgarcia. Through the good and the bad moments, the late work days or early ones; I feel like it really makes you figure out what someone is truly capable of. I take a lot of pride with my job in the fact that without the engines, the ship cannot complete the missions assigned. I also feel that a lot of my good work ethic has been gained from my job. it taught me to give everything I have everyday.

A Navy Talent Scout uses various recruiting methods to identify qualified applicants and create interest in joining the Navy.

According to Navy officials, NTAG Golden Gate's mission is to leverage an inspirational culture that informs, attracts, influences and hires the highest quality candidates from America's diverse talent pool. This goal ensures the success of America's Navy and establishes the foundation for sailors to thrive in a life-changing experience.

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.

As a member of the Navy, Jacquesgarcia is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

I feel like the U.S. Navy contributes to National Defense as the biggest Armed Forces presence in the world, said Jacquesgarcia. We are the offensive line of the United States, but are willing and able at all times, to become a presence no threat wants to see.

Jacquesgarcia has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

My proudest accomplishment in the U.S. Navy is coming from a designated E-1 to E-5 in two and a half years, said Jacquesgarcia. I feel like all my hard work was truly noticed to be able to do this. I thank everyone who has pushed me through my Navy career.

As Jacquesgarcia and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

To me, serving in the U.S. Navy means what some people forget, and that is freedom, added Jacquesgarcia. Being a part of a team is the reason our families are safe at night and the flag still flies for freedom. It's the greatest feeling that some of us take for granted at times.