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By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach
WILLIAMSBURG, VA – Chief Petty Officer Alex Tamez, a native of Barstow, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group operating out of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Tamez graduated in 2006 from Barstow High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Barstow.
“Growing up in Barstow, I learned to never settle,” said Tamez. “I wanted different opportunities than what my hometown had to offer. I took to heart to never settle and to go beyond the mountains and the desert to see what else is out there.”
Tamez joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Tamez serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy so I could show my family and myself that I could actually accomplish something,” said Tamez. “Growing up, there was a cap and gown ceremony for finishing kindergarten, eighth grade and high school. I didn’t participate in any of them because I didn’t get good grades. I had to go to summer school and get my diploma that way. My parents have never seen me in a cap and gown. I joined the Navy so my parents could see me accomplish something. They’re coming to see me get pinned. My husband is going to pin the right side and my father is going to pin the left.”
Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, is made up of more than 3,300 personnel assigned to three regiments and seven battalions across the United States. Its mission is to deliver worldwide expeditionary logistics with active and reserve personnel to provide a wide range of supply and transportation support critical for peacetime efforts, crisis response, humanitarian and combat service missions.
Serving in the Navy means Tamez is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“I feel that in the last couple of years, this nation has kind of been attacked and has been picked on and it’s super important for the Navy and military to let other countries know they can’t mess with us,” said Tamez. “If they’re going to do anything of that nature, they should expect some push back. I’m proud of my country and I’m proud to stand on that line to protect it. That’s why I joined.”
With 90% 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.
Tamez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest point is being selected for chief petty officer,” said Tamez. “In my rate or job field, it’s kind of hard to make chief. It’s a blessing to make chief and it’s a blessing to make chief in my rate. There were around 600 yeoman first class who were eligible for chief and they only advanced 162. For anybody enlisted, their goal is to make chief. To be able to be a chief, you can’t get any higher than that in my opinion.”
As Tamez and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy really didn’t mean anything to me in the beginning other than being a chance at more opportunities outside of my hometown,” said Tamez. “I didn’t really have any pride in my service, but as I carried on I started to see what it meant and started to feel it. I’m representing the entire Navy when I wear this uniform. There’s a level of responsibility, pride and professionalism that comes when I wear this uniform. I’m a sailor even when I’m not wearing this uniform because you’re always representing the military. You have to do the right thing all the time.”
Tamez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Stacey Oitzman, who is currently my boss,” added Tamez. “She’s a retired chief yeoman and she literally got me to where I needed to be today. She walked me through how to be a better man and a better sailor. Without her, I wouldn’t have been selected for chief. I also want to thank my husband, Kory Fransen, for his patience and constant love. He’s been a shoulder to lean on and even though he may not have understood, that he was engaged and a great listener was all I needed.”
“I want to thank my parents for not giving up on me and always knowing that I had potential,” said Tamez. “I also want to thank my Navy brothers and sisters for always being there when I needed help and assistance.”
