This business concept began in 1998 while still on active duty with the US Navy and working in recruiting in Bakersfield, CA. I met a fellow Veteran from the US Army, Paul Almauguer, who showed me his craft of working in the movie set design industry. A very special thank you goes out to Paul, because it was one of these pieces, a perfect miniature of the Phalanx (CIWS) that led me to this point in my life. First, I began working on the business plan and concept of re-creating enlisted ratings. After countless failed attempts to have the pieces recreated by other people, I finally decided if it was meant to be, than it would be up to me. I began the difficult task of carving rating symbols. Hundreds of hours went in on some of the pieces. I have learned over the last 11 years how to create the pieces you will see in the Proud2serve store. After retiring in 2004, I did what most retirees do and found a J.O.B.

I also wish to thank a fellow retired shipmate, Hector Organista, who served with me while recruiting in Bakersfield, CA. Hector and I, along with my wife Alice, sat around my kitchen table in 1998, and began dream building on how we would be able to provide an incredible product to the sailors of the United States Navy. As a previous recreation-committee president while serving on two submarines, I saw the quality of what was being sold to the Navy and the outrageous prices. I knew that I could offer a better product for less. With great

friends like the ones previously mentioned, I was determined to make it happen.
Enjoy looking at the products you see on the following pages, and place your order for your very own, one of a kind plaque.

Go Back