WHY I SERVE
Dorian Quezada U.S. Navy Age: 29 Rank: Petty Officer (E-4) Assignment: Personnel specialist/manpower Stationed: Salt Lake City Photo courtesy of Linda Quezada Dominguez
I have served in the military for: three years. Why I joined: I volunteered to enlist in the U.S. Navy because I
wanted to prove my understanding of citizenship by offering my services to my adopted country, and I also took the first step toward an exciting and rewarding career. I continue to serve because: I love what I do. The U.S. Navy is
an important component of the American defense establishment, and I’m honored to be part of a vital role in maintaining and protecting the country from our enemies in time of war and supporting peacetime. I have been deployed to: Honduras. Unique experience. I made
a lot of local friends along the way. Being deployed confirmed how privileged and blessed we are in the States. My favorite activity to do back home: Spending
time with family, visiting friends and taking my nephews and niece to the park when time permits. I also like to go to King Leo's Pizza. What I miss the most about Bakersfield: Hot
summers and going to Hart Park. How I stay connected to family and friends back home:
Telephone and text messages. My best military accomplishment so far: Junior Sailor of the
Year, deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. When I return to Bakersfield, the first thing I’m going to do is: Hug my family members, hide my boots and wear my sandals
— I’m home. Something I’d like to do this year is: Spend Christmas with fam-
ily, just like the old times. If I had to choose a different career path, I would have become: An entrepreneur. After my time in the Navy, I would like to: Go back to Califor-
nia, work for a government agency or become an entrepreneur. — Know a Kern County native who is proudly serving in the military? E-mail us at bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com with the message subject line: Why I Serve. Please include an e-mail, phone number and/or Facebook link to reach the nominee.