Oakleaf High School graduate on the front lines of pandemic in the U.S. Navy

Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Graves graduated from Oakleaf High School in 2015. He is a native of Jacksonville and after graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman.

Graves is currently at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point in North Carolina, working to maintain the health of sailors in the Cherry Point area, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Growing up, I learned that things could change quickly, and being flexible is a necessity,” Graves said. “Being able to adapt to new protocols and procedures, especially during this global pandemic, is something I have been able to apply to my military career.”

Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, says the COVID-19 pandemic changed they way they operate as a Navy, but they continue to focus on the health and safety of the forces and their families.

“Serving in the world’s greatest Navy during this pandemic has been demanding however, I know that Navy medicine will continue to do what it does best, which is help protect and serve the people,” Graves added. “I’ll continue to be persistent in my duties to help combat the threat of the Coronavirus.”

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