Today marks the 30 Anniversary of my commissioning as an officer in the Navy of these States United! I was commissioned an Ensign on Friday, 19JAN96, that’s the 19th of January, 1996, for those of you who don’t speak Navy Date nomenclature. The ceremony commenced at 1300 aka 1:00 p.m. Today at that same time, I honored the occasion by knocking out 1,000-yards in the water at Masters Swim Practice. The "Pinning Ceremony" was conducted by my sister, Natalie Lauritano (to my right) and my mother, Dalila (to my left). Since we're in Winter Dress Blues, the Pinning Ceremony consists of exposing the Ensign Stripe on the sleeves. My commissioning class comprised of the following: Amy Saare, Brian Hansen, Neil Hernandez, Jose Duarte, Bryan Briones, Greg Fitzgerald. There are a few others, but I have forgotten their names. I’m sure my shipmates will fill in the blanks should they read this post. The ceremony was held at SDSU’s Montezuma Hall. Very fitting since the majority of the commissioning class was comprised of SDSU students; Go Aztecs! Spring time commissioning ceremonies are held at USD.
I can’t believe how fast the time has flown! So many dreams and aspirations that day. Some fulfilled and others not. Probably most important of all is that regardless of our current status: Active, Reserves, Discharged, and/or Retired, we’ve all served honorably and are alive and well. I was first kid of my neighborhood crew from the East Bay to graduate college and earn a commission at the same time. I was blessed and fortunate on that day to have the majority of the people I grew up with in attendance to celebrate such a momentous occasion. Of the many guests in attendance was Rahn Sheffield, Head Coach of the SDSU Women’s Track & Field Team. Yours truly competed in both Track & Cross Country at SDSU earning a letter my junior year (Men’s programs disbanded Spring 1994). Rahn honored my dedication to the track program by being my guest and on that day had cancelled practice for the 2nd time ever in his career as a coach. I assure you Bill Belichick has nothing on Rahn Sheffield when it comes to holding practice! Thanks Coach!
The day was also marked as a great gathering of so many souls; many which through social media, I’ve been able to keep in touch with. Thank you to everyone who showed up that day. To my knowledge, fortunately, you’re all doing well 30-years later. The dinner honoring my commissioning was held at the Morgan Run Country Club (Now called La Valle). I had family come in as far as Nicaragua to join the festivities as well as friends as far as Michigan. Enjoy the shenanigans of me and my loved ones!
Go Navy! Beat Army! 🤙👨✈️🚢⚓️🐐🖕😤🚫🫏
