Association of Naval Services Officers

A 501c3 nonprofit supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all ranks in the U.S. Sea Services!

Norfolk, VA Chapter Contacts

Chapter Leadership Information

Chapter Name & Year EstablishedRADM José M. Cabanillas, USN2006
PresidentCAPT Javier Medina, USN, Ph. D. norfolkva@ansomil.org
Vice PresidentAS1 Zabdiel E. Dueño Agosto, USNnorfolkva@ansomil.org
SecretaryPS1 Silvia Mantero, USNnorfolkva@ansomil.org
TreasurerVACANTnorfolkva@ansomil.org
Public Affairs OfficerENS Christian Acevedo-Pérez, USCGnorfolkva@ansomil.org
ChaplainLCDR Michael Monroig, USN
Navy Senior Enlisted LeaderCWO2 Yandi Hernandez, USN
Coast Guard Senior Enlisted LeaderHS1 Jackie Aycardi, USCG
Marine Corps Senior Enlisted LeaderVACANT
Senior Retired Coast Guard Officer PresentRear Admiral Joseph “Pepe” Castillo, USCG, Ret.
Senior Retired Navy Officer PresentRear Admiral George “Rico” Mayer, USN, Ret.
NAVY SOPARear Admiral Carlos “Los” Sardiello, USN, Director, Joint/Fleet Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
Major Commanders PresentCAPT George Robert Aguilar, USN, Commanding Officer, USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77)
CAPT Milciades “Tony” Then, USN, Deputy Commodore, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY TWO
Commanding Officers PresentCAPT Santico “Tico” Valenzuela, USN, Commanding Officer, HELICOPTER SEA COMBAT SQUADRON TWO (HSC 2)
CDR Luis A. González, USN, Commanding Officer, USS BULKELEY (DDG 84)
CDR Carlos Otero, USN, Commanding Officer, USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779)
Notable Officers PresentCAPT Raul Acevedo, USN, Executive Officer, USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74)
CDR Kristel O’Cañas, USN, Prospective Reactor Officer, USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78)
CDR Jason Gonzalez, USN, First Lieutenant, USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74)
Command Master Chiefs PresentCMDCM Rafael Barney, USN, Command Master Chief, USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51)
Notable Senior Enlisted PresentNCCM Raymond Martinez, USN, U.S. Fleet Forces Career Counselor

If you are aware of or think someone else should be added to this list, please send an email to the Chapter President so that we can ensure the local role models are properly accounted for here!

Mobile, AL Chapter Contacts

Chapter Information

Chapter Name & Year Established
PresidentVACANT – Contact ANSO if interested.
Vice President
Secretary

More coming soon! Please check back.

Central FL Chapter Contacts

Chapter Information

Chapter Name & Year Established
PresidentVACANT – Contact ANSO if interested.
Vice President
Secretary

More coming soon! Please check back.

December 2022 Message

En Familia December 2022,

The beginning of the new year connects with the celebration of the birthday of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Our nation stops early in the year to reflect on Dr. King’s life, efforts, and contributions on behalf of civil rights through nonviolence. His powerful messages, even after these years, provide seeds of wisdom that propels the listener to action. 

On 12 September 1962, Dr. King delivered a speech at the Park-Sheraton Hotel in New York City during the centennial anniversary of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. One of the most powerful lines in this speech says, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” While the statement speaks for itself, there are three elements for our ANSO members to consider carefully. 

(Image Source: New York State Museum)

  1. There is risk in life: The fears and concerns of not fully knowing the whole staircase will be there. The desire to know how long, how steep, or how much of an effort it will take are questions that may rise to the surface. Still, taking the first step, with limited knowledge, opens the way to a new reality and fresh opportunities. It’s a matter of taking the risk and moving on. 
  2. Grounded in trust: Faith comes from trust, confidence, or deep persuasion. While the word has a strong religious connotation, it portrays trustworthiness. Used in Dr. King’s sentence, faith creates tension to conceive a sense of trust when there is uncertainty about the staircase. Still, faith is what it takes to move on during this tension. 
  3. More than one: Considering this sentence, the appearance of this walk is an individual journey. However, trusting implies being in a relationship of some sort. This relationship reveals the true nature of this sentence we have faith, take first steps, and climb the way up with others. Dr. King believed in this concept and lived by it. During the civil rights movement, marching was a way to join forces as an expression of nonviolence. 

After the meaningful experience of our Western Leadership Symposium and the motivational messages of our presenters, Dr. King’s challenge is the perfect springboard to jump in 2023. Leadership, mentoring, coaching, and sponsoring are some of the first steps to take on this journey of investing in the present and future of our Sea Services. We may not know the whole staircase, but we know we are not alone on this journey. Join your local chapter, take the initiative, and participate in some of the events available this year while inviting others to join the journey. Together we build our strong ANSO family.

Supporting HISPA


Last Thursday, ANSO Miami Chapter members attended the annual Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement (HISPA) 3 Kings Banquet at the Intercontinental Hotel, Doral, FL. The annual awards and fundraising event took place in person in three locations: Edison, NJ, Doral, FL, and San Antonio, TX, to honor the Latino professionals who support HISPA’s educational programs and raise funds for these programs. The night was a total success with several HISPA role models and supporters receiving awards.

Pictured above from left to right, 2ndLt Hernandez, USMC, CAPT Noreña, USMC, Ms. Zapata, LTJG Castillo, USCG, Miami Ch President, 2ndLt Devine, USMC, and Mr. Aranibar, ANSO Membership Coordinator

Thank you to ANSO BOD for supporting the Miami chapter and allowing members the opportunity to represent ANSO during such a special evening.

On Friday, 13 Jan 2023, LCDR Kim Glore (USCG) participated as a HISPA role model at Okeeheelee Middle School in West Palm Beach. LCDR Glore spoke to middle school students about her journey to success as a female military officer and the steps she took to get to her current position.

ANSO and the Miami Chapter continue to support and work hand in hand with HISPA to support our community and our future leaders. For upcoming opportunities and to get involved, please visit HISPA’s events calendar and contact HISPA directly via their website, or send an email to miamifl@ansomil.org to participate as part of a Chapter volunteer group.

Hialeah Elementary School Career Day

Finishing 2022 strong, on December 20, 2022, Miami Chapter members participated in the first career day for Hialeah Elementary School since COVID-19 lock-downs. The day started out with a light breakfast and then participants were assigned classrooms and were sent on their way. Eager student volunteers helped participants get to and from their classrooms and ensured everyone stayed hydrated and fed. One student volunteer kept asking participants if they were a detective, and fortunately for her, she eventually met one and was able to ask all her questions.

Participants came from the private, government, and non-profit sectors and included Fire Rescue, Police, Medical, Finance, Education, Military, Animal Rescue, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Park Service. Classrooms were comprised of students in grades K-5, with some classrooms containing only Spanish speaking students. Presentations were done both in English and Spanish.

The day culminated with lunch hosted by the school. The principal closed the day by thanking participants, the student volunteers, and the staff for their time and effort. Overall the event was a tremendous success. Miami Chapter will continue to build relationships in the community and will post future opportunities in the events calendar. For more information on how to get involved in the Chapter, please email miamifl@ansomil.org.

November 2022 Message and Season’s Greetings

En Familia

Just as lights, decorations, parties, and special meals highlight the holiday season, the recent Western Regional Symposium (WRS) became an unforgettable energizing experience for the ANSO family. With in-person and virtual options for participants, WRS offered high-value presenters and multiple opportunities for professional networking. Mentoring sessions and panels at all levels of the enlisted and officer ranks allowed for reflection, growth, and re-commitment among participants from all Sea Services. WRS was a unique experience for many in attendance, particularly among those joining for the first time. 

During the 2022 WRS, many participants and presenters shared personal stories of resilience and strength. These narratives were, for many, the most meaningful part of the event. The subjective nature of these narratives transcended through the experiences of connection generated by the spoken word. As Brene Brown has said, “maybe stories are just data with a soul.”

These shared narratives seem to have served the group in three different ways:

  • Encouragement: The experience of sharing a personal story is a journey of vulnerability. Certain areas of our past may come through that we are not proud of or may not want to reveal in public. Sharing about ourselves is to embrace those parts of our stories for what they are. By engaging in this process of open vulnerability, courage shines forth. Every step in this journey of self-revelation becomes an opportunity to embolden others to own and share their narratives finding value, meaning, and purpose in them. 
  • Empowerment: The phenomenological character of personal narratives speaks of the ups and downs that led to this time and place. The rich details of travels, people, opportunities, challenges, tears, and laughs make it what it is. At times, thoughts of not being good enough (impostor syndrome) or perceptions that no one else understands may reduce the desire to speak up. The process of telling our story is an exercise in empowerment, confronting the fallacy of empty doubts and taking steps forward with renewed strength. “Si se puede!” recovers its meaning.
  • Empathy: The most effective way to consider the impact of sharing a personal narrative with an audience is by noticing how the story creates connections. A smile, a nod, a tear, or another emotional response amplifies the universal meaning of shared stories. Spoken narratives unify the speaker and audience through shared empathic interactions and active listening. For many, this is an opportunity -or only opportunity in a while- to celebrate belonging and acceptance.

As the holidays approach, share your story. Whether your tradition is to celebrate Hanukkah, Yule, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or just the end of the year with special family rituals, food, or music, reach out and pull from your memory what makes this time of the year so meaningful. Share your story with those close to you or take advantage of the opportunities provided by ANSO to share your narratives through social media. Sharing your story has immeasurable power. Give it a try today.

ANSO Familia, build new memories with your loved ones! Enjoy this extraordinary time of the year. May your season be filled with joy, peace, and hope, a blessing to you and your family.

Check out our Season’s Greetings playlist on our YouTube Channel where members share their fondest holiday memories

Meeting HISPA Founder

Dr. Ivonne Diaz-Claisse (HISPA) and LTJG David Castillo (ANSO)
Leaders from HISPA, ANSO, Bank of America, Perry Ellis International, Visa, Wix.com, Walmart, and WeWork.

Last Friday ANSO Miami Chapter President had the pleasure and honor of meeting Dr. Ivonne Diaz-Claisee, founder of HISPA, and met several local leaders from different industries committed to mentoring and supporting our future leaders. We continue to connect with leaders from various industries, sharing ANSO’s mission and commitment to giving back to the community.

Email our chapter at MiamiFL@ansomil.org to learn more about our relationship with HISPA and how you can also become a role model for middle school students in your community.

Adelante con ANSO!

David C.
ANSO Miami Chapter President.

Happy Thanksgiving 2022

ANSO Familia,

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. ANSO is thankful to have you with us, for all you do for our Sea Services, and the mentorship you bring to our communities. May you continue to be blessed, and your days filled with joy. For those who are blessed to be home today, please enjoy a much deserved holiday with friends and family. For those who are deployed, away from your loved ones, protecting us from afar, and carrying out our Nation’s tasking, we thank you. You remain in our hearts and minds. We who have been there before know what it is like to be away from home, and to miss our families. You are also missed. We pray for your safe return, and remain grateful for your sacrifices.

God bless.

October 2022 Message

En Familia

The last few months have been a continuous celebration of the Sea Services’ birthdays. Starting with the Coast Guard’s 232nd birthday celebration on 4 August, to the 247th birthday of the U.S. Navy on 13 October, and now the celebration of the 247th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on 10 November. We take time to celebrate these special occasions because these pauses to wear our best uniforms, participate in formal galas, partake in cake cuttings, enjoy the suck of a great run, or build camaraderie with our peers is what shape our traditions by providing meaning and purpose to our cause.

While sharing common values in the intersection of our missions, each branch intentionally reaffirms a sense of direction, pride, and belonging during these birthday celebrations. Still, it is in each member to embrace the invitation and, more so, in each one of us to inspire our peers to connect with the reason that brought us to service. Even if the reasons that brought someone into the service were egocentric, most Service Members during their time in uniform have had a moment in which sacrifice makes sense. Whether this is because of family, peers, honor, respect, or just confidence, the reason to serve that gives meaning to all we do comes alive and leads to transcendence.

As recipients of the appreciation and gratitude of our nation on Veterans Day, this is a perfect time to connect with the reason to serve for whatever term we wore or are still wearing the uniform. The smile on the face, the gut feeling deep inside, the tear or almost emotional outburst that connects with memories, are part of the range of reactions during ceremonies, special meals, or a “thank you for your service” echoes in our ears. Today on Veterans Day, the combat spirit is revived, sacrifices re-framed, allowing our unique narratives to place us back to the first day we stood ready to serve.

We celebrate what Veterans and military families have done to support and defend our constitution, flag, and citizens. Today, as we hear someone expressing their appreciation or the sound of our Star-Spangled Banner, may we connect with the legacy of military service of those who have served, are currently serving, or are preparing to join our fight with honor. We join our ANSO members, partners, and leaders to wish you a Happy Veterans Day and thank you for your dedicated service to our nation!

The VA 2022 National Veterans Day Poster Contest Winner – https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

Happy 247th United States Marine Corps Birthday!!

We want to wish a happy 247th United States Marine Corps birthday to all our brothers and sisters who serve, and who have served, in the Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis!

Check out all the inspirational stories shared in our USMC Corner playlist of our YouTube channel.

ANSO and HISPA Together for our youth

We invite you to join ANSO Miami Chapter on November 18th from 1430 to 1600 to meet and greet Dr. Ivonne Diaz-Claisse, HISPA founder, and learn more about their mission. Together we can work supporting and mentoring our future generations. HISPA already have connections with several schools in Palm Beach County and Miami Dade County. ANSO Miami Chapter will continue to foster our relationship with HISPA and will continue to support events mentoring young students who will be our future leaders.