U.S. Naval Officer Shares how Owatonna Shaped Him Growing Up

2015 Owatonna High School graduate Jacob Zeise is enjoying his time with the United State Navy. 4 years ago, he enlisted and is now a Petty Officer 2nd Class serving on the USS Boxer based out of San Diego, CA.

My hometown is very old school meets new age.

Not having any family members in the Armed Forces, Zeise joined the Navy to take advantage of the steady job security and to look for alternatives to college. In an article written by Alvin Plexico of the Navy Office of Community Outreach, Zeise shared his experiences growing up in Owatonna and how it shaped him into who he is today.

"The older generations taught me what it means to do the work yourself and not rely too much on fancy technology. You can get a lot more satisfaction from hard work with a feeling of self-confidence. The new generations found how useful technology is, and I feel like the Navy has a very good balance between the two (old school and new school). I'm able to fit in that balance very well."

Jacob also shared with Plexico that, “Serving in the Navy has changed me”, "At first, I was interested in paying for college, getting the benefits, and job security. It sounded really good, but the longer I stay in the more I feel the importance and impact of my job".

The Navy Office of Community Outreach travels the globe to collect Sailors’ stories and distribute them to their hometown media. You can learn more about them by clicking here!