A testimony that nothing ever lands on your lap

[thedrifter]

A testimony that nothing ever lands on your lap
Submitted by: MCAS Iwakuni
Story Identification #: 200452121411
Story by Lance Cpl. Giovanni Lobello



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan(May 21, 2004) -- May is Asian Pacific American Heritage month and a time for those who have overcome obstacles to be honored for the progress that has been made over the years. This year's theme is "Freedom for all. A nation we call our own."

Overcoming the odds and bettering his life would be something that Filipino native, Cmdr. Don Cenon B. Albia, officer in charge of the Branch Medical Clinic, would know first hand about.

Albia was born in Iriga City, Philippines, July 9, 1954. For Albia, the Philippines offered rice fields and poverty, and he took the opportunity to leave the tough lifestyle. In his third year as a mechanical engineer in the Philippines at Bicol University, he decided to enlist in the United States Navy.

"To enlist in the Navy, I had to submit a 2 by 3 picture with my name, address and date of birth," said Albia. "At the time of processing we had to pass a written and oral exam. Out of the 300 people that took the written exam, only 25 passed. Then from the 25 that passed the written portion, only 12 were able to pass the oral exam."

Volunteers were only referred to by their identification number throughout the process. The factor that differentiated Albia from the rest of the volunteers was his number, 13441.

Albia vowed to serve faithfully in 1974 when he officially enlisted in the Navy and was sent off to boot camp in May to San Diego.

"This was my way out of poverty. There was no way I would mess up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help support me and my family," said Albia.

After completing boot camp, Albia no longer had to worry about receiving a paycheck, as he was paid regularly for the first time in his life.

After eight years in the service, in 1984 while serving at Fleet Marine Force at Camp Pendleton, Albia picked up the rank of chief petty officer.

"Making chief was not because I was Filipino. It wasn't just handed to me to fill minority quotas; I worked very hard and I was grateful for the opportunity," said Albia.

Before completing his bachelor's degree, Albia was commissioned a lieutenant junior grade. At this time he now had the power to have more of an impact on the Sailors he was in charge of.

"I would consider him the best boss I have ever had, and a good mentor to both officers and enlisted members," said Chief Petty Officer Gilbert Ramos. "He is very open to everybody. Only officer in charge I've seen that walks around and is open to suggestions."
"Since I was enlisted I know what it's like, and as an officer I have been given the opportunity to have an impact on the people I am taking care of," said Albia.

Now, Albia is in charge of the Branch Medical Clinic, where his positive influence can be felt by many Sailors and Marines.

"It's best to take advantage and embrace every situation and try to be a part of as much as possible to continue moving on."

Ramos added, "Cmdr. Albia always tries to make sure that everyone is happy and in good spirits. Sailors were not entirely happy with his presence before. Now Sailors are extending more than before because of his good leadership style."




"Making chief was not because i was Filipino. It wasn't just handed to me to fill minority quotas; I worked very hard and I was grateful for the opportunity," said Cmdr. Don Cennon B. Albia, Branch Medical Clinic, officer in charge. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Giovanni Lobello

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...8?opendocument


Ellie