BY: Steven Guzman, North Rockland HS Class of 2017

So last week I went up to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) in Albany to process into the U.S Navy. I arrived there at around 8 AM to take the ASVAB, which is the exam all new enlistees must take. Since the whole process requires 2 days, I stayed at a hotel overnight. The next day was the medical and physical screening, this was the part that scared me because I hated drawing blood. Little did I know this would be the least of my worries. I was there getting my physical done for what must have been 4-5 hours. Everything went smoothly until the very last exercise that involves me removing my shirt. This is so they can examine my spine while I stretch. The MEPS staff member went down the line and analyzed all of my peers, giving them approval. Until he got to me, he stopped and stood beside me for a good minute. After the exercise, he went and spoke with the doctor privately. I was then separated from the rest of the group and I was taken to the doctor’s office. The doctor asked me for my mother’s number, which made me confused.

At this point I was getting nervous because I thought they discovered something serious on my back. It wasn’t until my mom picked the phone that they explained to her that I had a 10cm linear scar on my lower back. I was in shock, I never knew of this scar nor remember injuring my back. My mom told them that she didn’t know about it and that it was probably an old cut. The MEPS doctor then called my old pediatrician requesting my medical records with my permission. Unfortunately we waited 2 hours for them to fax it but it never came and I had to return home. I was disappointed hearing my peers talking about their new Navy jobs while I went home empty handed. The next day I had some time to think, my recruiter recommended going to a doctor and getting a note regarding the scar. Still I knew I didn’t have health insurance so I had to be strategic about it.

That’s when I got the idea of posting my situation on the North Rockland Community page. Within minutes I was receiving advice, recommendations, and help from the community. The overwhelming support from the community reminded me of why I wanted to join the armed forces. To serve this country and my community, knowing I have all of this support. A couple days pass and I send MEPS a doctor’s note explaining that I have never been treated for a scar and that it’s origin is unknown. A few more days come and go, and I get word from my recruiter telling me that I now need 2 notes from my parents. So I had my parents write a note each explaining that I never surgery. They take this stuff very seriously, history of having surgery is disqualifying. More days come and go and I finally get the news I’ve been waiting for, I was approved! I go up to Albany the very next day and swear into the U.S Navy.

Today I’m happy to say that I will be a hospital corpsman in the Navy and will ship out for boot camp on September 24th. This is all thanks to the help of my community and my awesome recruiter (Perfetto). I can’t wait to get out there and proudly serve this nation!