I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had at USCGA. I’ve been taught by an outstanding faculty and a dedicated team of coaches, company officers, and company chiefs, upper-class cadets and even my under-class cadets. To my sponsors, the Pacquette and Griffin family, the Academy clinic, the mailroom employees, and the wardroom staff, each of you will have a special place in my heart. Representing the Philippines in a U.S. military academy setting was quite challenging, but, at the same time, my daily interactions with all of you made it fulfilling and rewarding.
As an international relations major, I am ecstatic to serve the Philippine Coast Guard and apply what I have learned from my cadetship. My classes in international law, transnational threats, Spanish, Korean, public policy-making, maritime law enforcement, and criminal justice were some of the most memorable experiences I have had. I cannot wait to impart my acquired knowledge to my future units.
I thank the CG-12 staff and the rest of my mentors in the Philippine Coast Guard for their tremendous support and for providing us the tools we needed to succeed. I would also like to congratulate the class of 2021 on our graduation and wish everyone fair winds and following seas. We’ve all worked hard, and I know that we’ll continue to do so in our careers as commissioned officers. I’ll miss you all.
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