Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags, Memorial Day is in remembrance of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It also provides an opportunity to learn from those who returned from service and are with us today.
We sat down with Michael Perez, one of the owners of our BrightStar Care operation. He served in the United States Navy, and we are incredibly proud of having a veteran at the helm!
Did you always know you wanted to join the armed forces?
Yes! I grew up hearing about how my father and grandfather had both served. So it was in my family history, and seemed like a natural path for me.
How did you choose Navy over the other branches?
My grandfather served in in the Navy during World War II, so I heard a lot about that branch. Plus I loved the ocean and wanted to go to sea.
Do you remember the day you signed on the proverbial dotted line?
No, I don’t specifically recall putting pen to paper; but I remember the date of my Navy entry was November 10th of 1972 and I was officially discharged on November 9th of 1976. Precisely four years!
Was military life exactly like you had envisioned it…what was different?
Well, after growing up listening to my father, I knew a lot of what the military was like. It was pretty much what I expected. However, compared to my dad and grandpa, I joined when they made boot camp an easier, friendlier experience – the “New Navy.”
Where did you serve?
I went to Boot Camp relatively close to home, in San Diego, California. I then went to Naval School all the way across the country in Pensacola, Florida. After that I was on an Army base in Fort Meade, Maryland. Then it was off to the “real” part of why I had joined the Navy: I boarded the USS Little Rock CLG53, a Light Cruiser with the first on-board missiles and the last 16" guns in the Navy. I spent two years in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, based at the Sabana Seca naval station in Puerto Rico. It’s definitely true that you get to see the world, experiencing places in the military that you wouldn’t ordinarily visit.
How did you keep in touch with friends and family?
Back then without internet, and when international phone calls weren’t as convenient, we did letters only! There were no phone calls when overseas.
Did you develop any habits during your service that have served you well in life?
I learned to respect the chain of command. I learned team work and discipline. Those are obviously things that will helpfully translate to the workplace, and really many other situations you encounter in life.
What was most difficult when transitioning from “in” to “out” of the military?
Since I served for only four years (which seemed like a long time then, but not too long in the grander timeline of life), there was no difficulty in transitioning. The hardest part I recall was the long drive back from Florida to California!
What do you wish that civilians would know/acknowledge/understand about military service?
The military is full of what is really a bunch of young people. They work hard and put their lives on the line every day to help keep our country secure. They love what they do and do a great job. We need to remember and respect them and their service.
How did your military service translate into what you do today?
I was taught to have respect for others – I practice this and teach others to do the same. It’s crucial in our line of work, helping clients and patients live a full life despite their challenges with aging and illness.
We sat down with Michael Perez, one of the owners of our BrightStar Care operation. He served in the United States Navy, and we are incredibly proud of having a veteran at the helm!
Did you always know you wanted to join the armed forces?
Yes! I grew up hearing about how my father and grandfather had both served. So it was in my family history, and seemed like a natural path for me.
How did you choose Navy over the other branches?
My grandfather served in in the Navy during World War II, so I heard a lot about that branch. Plus I loved the ocean and wanted to go to sea.
Do you remember the day you signed on the proverbial dotted line?
No, I don’t specifically recall putting pen to paper; but I remember the date of my Navy entry was November 10th of 1972 and I was officially discharged on November 9th of 1976. Precisely four years!
Was military life exactly like you had envisioned it…what was different?
Well, after growing up listening to my father, I knew a lot of what the military was like. It was pretty much what I expected. However, compared to my dad and grandpa, I joined when they made boot camp an easier, friendlier experience – the “New Navy.”
Where did you serve?
I went to Boot Camp relatively close to home, in San Diego, California. I then went to Naval School all the way across the country in Pensacola, Florida. After that I was on an Army base in Fort Meade, Maryland. Then it was off to the “real” part of why I had joined the Navy: I boarded the USS Little Rock CLG53, a Light Cruiser with the first on-board missiles and the last 16" guns in the Navy. I spent two years in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, based at the Sabana Seca naval station in Puerto Rico. It’s definitely true that you get to see the world, experiencing places in the military that you wouldn’t ordinarily visit.
How did you keep in touch with friends and family?
Back then without internet, and when international phone calls weren’t as convenient, we did letters only! There were no phone calls when overseas.
Did you develop any habits during your service that have served you well in life?
I learned to respect the chain of command. I learned team work and discipline. Those are obviously things that will helpfully translate to the workplace, and really many other situations you encounter in life.
What was most difficult when transitioning from “in” to “out” of the military?
Since I served for only four years (which seemed like a long time then, but not too long in the grander timeline of life), there was no difficulty in transitioning. The hardest part I recall was the long drive back from Florida to California!
What do you wish that civilians would know/acknowledge/understand about military service?
The military is full of what is really a bunch of young people. They work hard and put their lives on the line every day to help keep our country secure. They love what they do and do a great job. We need to remember and respect them and their service.
How did your military service translate into what you do today?
I was taught to have respect for others – I practice this and teach others to do the same. It’s crucial in our line of work, helping clients and patients live a full life despite their challenges with aging and illness.