Photo By Sgt. Emely Gonzalez | U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Trevor Salom poses on the flight deck of the USS Midway in...... read more read more
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Two confident young men stood tall as they were called to the stage on the flight deck of the USS Midway to be commissioned as U.S. Marine Corps officers. Although 2nd Lt. Steven Lofy and 2nd Lt. Trevor Salom are new to the Marine Corps, they are no strangers to the military as they are both the newest additions to their families’ legacies of service. This ceremony held a deeper meaning for these two families because Lofy’s father and Salom’s grandfather served as sailors on that very ship many years ago. Full of pride, Lofy and Salom held their heads high as they were commissioned as officers into the U.S. Marine Corps.
Becoming a U.S. Marine Corps officer was not a recent decision for Lofy. It was his drive for as long as he could remember. He grew up in a military family, making him familiar with the lifestyle. His mother’s grandfather served in the Navy, her father served in the Army, and his father served in the Navy. Although he did not know what branch he wanted to join at first, with his lineage, Lofy knew from an early age that he wanted to join the military and decided to join the Marine Corps.
“I chose the Marine Corps because I wanted more of a challenge,” Lofy said.
Lofy plans to become an aviator like his father. He feels fulfilled with his decision to join and believes he found his home in the Marine Corps. He will continue his career following in similar footsteps as his father.
Lofy’s father, retired Lt. Cmdr. Michael Lofy, first served on the USS Midway in 1988 and retired on its flight deck years later. After commissioning his son on the same flight deck, Lofy hopes to see his son have a long, successful career and retire the same way.
“Where I ended my career is where my son started his, this made an absolute full circle,” Lofy said.
Salom also had great military influences in his life. Salom went from jokingly saluting his grandfather as a child, to having his grandfather salute him as a U.S. Marine Corps officer.
“Having my grandfather to be my first salute was my only option,” Salom said. “He has been an important part of my life.”
Salom’s grandfather, retired Chief Petty Officer Romeo Salom, served on the USS Midway from 1961-1965 as an aviation logistics specialist. Salom is beyond proud of his grandson and hopes to see his career flourish. Being able to salute each other was an honor and a powerful moment for both of them.
“I once had the opportunity to become commissioned but couldn’t continue,” Romeo said. “I’m glad my grandson could fulfill that dream.”
The commissioning ceremony was special for Lofy and Salom because they are continuing their families’ legacies as the next generation of military service.
| Date Taken: | 01.29.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2022 13:05 |
| Story ID: | 414042 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 803 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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