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Naval Special Warfare Command Makes Wish Come True
(March 22, 2011) |
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| SAN DIEGO (NNS - 3/18/2011) -- Naval Special Warfare (NSW)
Command teamed up with San Diego's Make-A-Wish Foundation
March 16 to grant one child's wish of becoming a Navy SEAL
for a day.
George Alvarado, a 15-year-old heart
transplant patient from San Antonio, realized his dream of
camouflage uniforms, high-speed boats, surf passage and the
echo of automatic weapons as he spent an entire day enjoying
the Navy SEAL experience.
"For the last two years he
has been talking about being a Navy SEAL," said Amelia
Alvarado, George Alvarado's mother. "This is all he talks
about and all he watches on the television, and his goal in
life is to be a part of this. This tour is an experience of
a lifetime for him."
The day's events kicked off at
the front gate of Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif.,
where a Humvee was stationed to retrieve Alvarado and
transport him to NSW headquarters.
Commander, NSW,
Rear Adm. Edward Winters greeted Alvarado as he arrived at
NSW headquarters. Winters presented George with the uniform
of the day - camouflage pants and blouse, boots and a Basic
Underwater Demolition/SEAL student helmet. Winters also gave
Alvarado his mission orders to have fun and enjoy the
experience.
Alvarado's buddy for the day was Chief
Special Warfare Operator David Goggins, a SEAL who shares a
unique bond with his new teenage friend.
"It was an
honor to escort George around," said Goggins. "I know what
he has gone through, as I've been through two heart
surgeries myself. It felt good to show him around and give
him an unforgettable day."
Alvarado's itinerary was
packed with memorable events, as the doors to the world of
maritime special operations were opened to him.
He
enjoyed the opportunity to tour NSW training facilities,
including up close and personal observations of weapons live
fire and life saving techniques from the underwater
observation deck of the combat training tank. He tested his
mettle by participating in portions of the NSW obstacle
course and joining a mixed crew of SEAL and Basic Underwater
Demolition/SEAL students as they rowed an inflatable boat
through the San Diego Bay. Alvarado also had the rare
opportunity to observe a regularly scheduled practice jump
of the Navy Parachute Team and the pinnacle event of
fulfilling his Navy SEAL wish - a ride on an 11-meter rigid
hull inflatable boat.
"My favorite part had to be the
SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant Crewmember) boats," said
Alvarado. "I felt like I might fall out, but it was so much
fun!"
Alvarado's magical day concluded as Winters
designated him as an "Honorary Frogman," an honor few
civilians receive.
"It was an honor to host George at
the Naval Special Warfare Command," said Winters. "His
enthusiasm, positive attitude and 'can do' spirit are
exactly what I expect of the SEALs today. He is a motivator
to all of us, and it was a privilege to designate him an
'Honorary Frogman.' I'm proud to welcome George into the
Naval Special Warfare community."
The "Wish Kids" are
all beneficiaries of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's mission to
grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical
conditions to enrich their life with hope, strength and joy. |
By Navy MCS 2nd Class Dominique Lasco
Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs
Copyright 2011 | |
Reprinted from
Navy News Service
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