Annie said she was both proud and nervous when her son first approached her with the idea of joining the Navy. “Any child that’s going into the service during time of war, you’re naturally nervous,” she said. “But he has a good head on his shoulders. He’s a good person and we need good people.”

Travelling to places such as Italy, Japan, Spain and Germany and learning life skills are just some of the benefits the Navy offers, Reyes said. “You get to see different cultures and how other people live and you see how tough you really don’t have it,” he said. “It’s also a good stepping stone for a lot of jobs.”

Being away from his family in Lawrence is the hardest part for Reyes, who is one of eight children, but video chatting helps him stay in touch. He is married with two children and has been in California for six years. He thinks he will continue to reside there.

“It’s a good job and they take care of their own,” he said about the Navy. “The physical part is pretty tough but as long as you do your job, stay focused and stay out of trouble it’s a good job and you learn to appreciate things more.”