Military Salute: The Week of Aug. 31

Ross

Marietta native Petty Officer 3rd Class Alexis Ross serves the U.S. Navy aboard Naval Station Everett at Naval Station Everett in the Pacific Northwest.

Ross graduated from Sprayberry High School in 2014.

“The main lesson I learned growing up is to listen with your ears and not your mouth,” said Ross. “I learned that the hard way. In the Navy when you use your ears you don’t get in trouble for saying stuff, especially in boot camp.”

Ross joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Ross serves as a personnel specialist.

“I wasn’t making the right decisions in my life,” said Ross. “My dad wanted me to do better and strongly suggested the military. The Navy gave me a waiver for my weight because I’m a little small.”

Naval Station Everett, one of only two Navy-owned deep-water ports on the West Coast, is home to the command staffs of Carrier Strike Group 11 and Destroyer Group 9, six U.S. Navy ships and one Coast Guard vessel. The base enhances the nation’s ability to accomplish strategic objectives by supporting U.S. Navy and Coast Guard forces, according to Navy officials.

Ross has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m most proud of making it through as far as I have,” said Ross. “My whole Navy career has been a struggle with setbacks and things. I got through boot camp and I finally struck a rate, I had health issues and was finally cleared to stay. I didn’t see myself making it through these challenges. It’s allowed me to see a stronger and more determined version of myself. I always put 100% into what I’m doing.”

Ross can take pride in serving America through military service.

“To me, serving in the Navy means being able to help other sailors with their administrative matters while having the opportunity to travel,” said Ross. “I learn something new all the time.”

Ross is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my dad because even though I don’t always agree with him, he knows what he’s talking about,” said Ross. “He’s lived longer than me and has a lot of life experience. He knows what’s best for me.”