By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Shirley, Massachusetts, native serving in the United States Navy will celebrate the holidays with family in Orlando, Florida.
“The holidays are a day off,” said Fireman Hunter Hefti. “I fondly remember the time I told my dad that I was coming home for the holidays for the first time.”
Hefti serves as a machinery repairmen aboard USS Emory S. Land. As a member of the U.S. Navy, Hefti, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.
“To me, serving in the Navy means being a part of a diverse community of people, most of whom I call friends and will for a long time,” said Hefti.
Sailors help maintain America’s advantage at sea. This means they do not always get to celebrate holidays with their loved ones.
Hefti is grateful that isn’t the case this year.
“I’ll be seeing my family sooner than they think,” added Hefti.