JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Varquez, a native of Glendora, New Jersey, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 45.

Varquez graduated from Paul VI High School in 2010.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Glendora.

“My parents instilled humility in me, encouraging me to take pride in all I do while uplifting others along the way,” Varquez said.

Varquez joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Varquez serves as a naval aircrewman (operator).

“I joined to forge my path and challenge myself to achieve greatness,” Varquez said. “While attending college and working various jobs, I decided to pursue a lifestyle with more structure, consistency and a purpose greater than myself.”

Members of VP-45 fly and maintain the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Varquez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of supporting and helping my peers achieve and reach their full potential,” Varquez said.

Varquez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving means everything to me; it allows me to protect my family and friends so they can continue to enjoy freedom in America,” Varquez said.

Varquez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my family and friends who have become like family to me,” Varquez said. “I would also like to thank Chief Petty Officer Conde, who has challenged me to exceed the expectations I initially set for myself.”

“I am striving to achieve the highest qualification available in aviation: the level 500 weapons training instructor certification,” Varquez said. “I am submitting my nomination package for the selection board and hope to attend in the fall.”

Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after Democrats forced a government shutdown.

“Let’s be clear: House Republicans did our job,” said Congressman Van Drew. “We passed a clean bill to responsibly keep the government open, protect our veterans and seniors, and give Congress time to finish full-year funding bills. Democrats refused. They demanded $1.5 trillion in partisan spending, cuts to rural hospitals, and taxpayer dollars for illegal immigrants. These are the very same people who used to say shutdowns were dangerous and hurt families, but here we are.

“I am not going to stand by and let our servicemembers and frontline workers get caught in the middle. That is why I have introduced bills to make sure the Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees keep getting paid, and also why I am cosponsoring legislation to protect pay for our troops and border patrol in the case of a shutdown. The men and women who serve this country should never have to worry about a paycheck because of Washington’s dysfunction. It is time for Democrats to do what is right and put the American people first.”