Only Action News Jax can give you rare access to the world’s largest navy.
As Memorial Day approaches, we want to share stories of our men and women in uniform.
A Jacksonville native, Chief Petty Office Chiwanna Rogers, even taught her how to pack a sea bag.
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As part of Lorena’s experience, she was issued a uniform.
Rogers knew in high school she wanted to serve.
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That was back on June 29, 1997, just days after she graduated from Wolfson High School.
Twenty-two years later, she not only still serves but she holds one of the highest ranks for an enlisted sailor.
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For her, it was even more intimidating back in the 1990s.
“We were like the first group of females to check on board the ship,” said Rogers.
She’s the first one in her family to serve but she definitely won’t the last.
"I actually had to do this for my son," said Rogers as she showed us how to pack a sea bag. "My son is in the Navy. He's 19-years-old."