FROM STEWARD TO NAVAL OFFICER: Living the American Dream in the U.S. Navy

FROM STEWARD TO NAVAL OFFICER

Living the American Dream in the U.S. Navy

By Christina Swanson

One might say that his journey has come full circle all the while in service to others.

When Generato “Gee” Mercado was a youngster growing up in Bacalor, Pampanga, Phillipines, he was a dedicated student, boy scout and altar boy, known for his attention to detail in assisting the priests and helping clean his hometown parish, the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was such an exceptional altar boy that he was awarded the Ave Maria Cross Award, the highest honor a Catholic boy scout could receive. Today, in Jacksonville, Mercado still volunteers for his church, as part of their cleaning crew and many other roles. Another more significant journey of service began for Mercado in 1961, when at 23 years old, he decided to follow one of his brothers and join the U.S. Navy. Although he had earned an associate degree in surveying from Mapua Institute of Technology, work was scarce and seasonal. The idea of seeing famous places in the United States and around the world, as well as job security, and room and board with a salary, convinced Mercado to join. At the time, there was an agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines where Filipinos were welcomed into the U.S. armed forces and were known as “nationals.” In the Navy, they could only join as “Stewardsman,” one of the very lowest positions. As stewards, Filipinos in the U.S. Navy cooked, cleaned, shined, washed, and swabbed the decks of naval ships and naval bases. Mercado was happy to have the chance to prove himself, although this was his first experience with discrimination with no choice but to accept the steward rate as the sole job allowed to him. After boot camp in San Diego, Mercado was on his way to Naval Air Station Cecil Field where he got his first taste of American life.

For nine years of his 30-year Navy career, Mercado maintained the Cecil Field’s commanding officer’s quarters, cooking, cleaning and providing services to help make their family’s lives easier. “Having to be a steward itself was very discriminatory because it was difficult to advance or change into another area of Mercado’s hard work and can-do attitude were rewarded by his supervisors with excellent performance evaluations and encouragement to change to the supply area where he would be able to advance in his career.

With the restrictive advancement policies now discarded, he was selected to be an aviation supply storekeeper, ordering parts for the mechanics to maintain the aircraft and specialty equipment for the pilots. Soon, his commander noticed his excellent English and that he already had an associate degree, and recommended him to be picked to attend “A” school at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in

Memphis, TN, which soon earned him the rank of first class petty officer.

As he continued in the supply area, Mercado’s work ethic warranted him many awards including multiple “Sailor of the Quarter” honors and even “Sailor of the Year” in Pensacola. He competed and was chosen to attend college full-time with the Associate Degree Completion Program at then Florida Junior College (FJC) earning another associate degree. Graduating cum laude from FJC in 1974, Mercado continued his education at night and, in 1977, graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in systems science. He also became a proud U.S. citizen at this time.

LCDR & Mrs. Generato Mercado

His unwavering resolve paid off when he was commissioned as a naval officer in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps, attended Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, GA, and was assigned aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62), homeported in Norfolk, VA. During his Navy career, Mercado would be assigned to Cecil Field three times—the first two as a steward and the base equivalent of a civilian liquor store clerk, and the last as a lieutenant over the supply division. During a party at the commanding officer’s on-base house, it was clear just how far Mercado had come.

“While at the party my wife said she would like to use the powder room,” recalled the now 83-year-old Veteran. “The captain overheard me offer to escort her and began telling my wife where to go. I said, ‘Captain, I know every corner of this house because I used to clean it.’”

Lieutenant Commander Mercado retired from active duty in 1991, where he was leading the supply and logistics aspects of the construction of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, GA.

Forever determined to achieve and learn, after completing a 30-year military career, Mercado worked another 14 years with the Jacksonville Electric Authority. Life has also blessed Mercado with a large, close family of four children, 13 grandchildren, and 16 greatgrandchildren. “Determination and hard work can overcome adversity and accomplish goals,” said Mercado. “My service in the U.S. Navy made me what I am today. For that, and my supportive family, I am grateful.