Navy sailor says El Paso taught her the importance of hard work, human connection

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- An El Paso native said her hometown and Mexican roots taught her two lessons that helped her thrive in the U.S. Navy: relentless hard work and genuine human connection.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittany Gonzalez serves with the Navy in South Korea. She said that carrying the two lessons into the Navy helped her maintain her grounding and stay calm under pressure.

Gonzalez said serving the county means being a representative for others in the Navy. The Navy Office of Community Outreach said Gonzalez' proudest accomplishment is the professional growth of the sailors she mentors.

“I recognize that I may not fit the current requested mold of a leader, yet here I am, performing the mission and leading sailors,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez graduated from David L. Carrasco Job Corps Center in 2013 and joined the Navy 10 years ago, the Navy said.

Gonzalez also thanked her family for helping make her Navy career possible.

Gonzalez is assigned to the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Site Chinhae, located aboard Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae, South Korea, the Navy said. She serves as a logistics specialist.