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Orlando native serves with Navy Medicine in Virginia
February 10 2026
Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Cruz, a native of Orlando, Florida, serves the Navy assigned to Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command Detachment Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity (NMRLC DET NORA) Quantico, Virginia. Cruz joined the Navy 10 years ago.
“One of my grandfathers’ famous family quotes is, ‘Get a job in county, state, federal,’” Cruz said. “A large portion of my relatives have served or are currently serving, including one of my three brothers. Thinking back on my childhood now, my upbringing was heavily influenced by the military. Joining the military almost felt like going from fifth to sixth grade. My brother, Carlos L. Cruz Jr., joined the Navy in 2013. My mother, Desiree Cruz, was beside herself to see one of her little birds leave the nest, but extremely proud and supportive of his decision. At his basic training graduation, I could see a weight lifted off my mom’s shoulders, knowing that her son is in great hands. So, following in my brother’s footsteps, I enlisted in 2015 to become a Navy corpsman just like my brother.”
Today, Cruz serves as a hospital corpsman. “I am most proud of being named Optician of the Year for 2022,” Cruz said. “I give 110% every day and don’t expect anything in return. To be honest, I didn’t even know that was a thing. My supervisor, Lt. Cmdr. Rafferty insisted on putting my name in the hat, and after some convincing, I did. Seeing the trophy now reminds me to believe in myself and those who support me.”
Cruz also earned a letter of commendation from Capt. Andrew Lin, commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Fort Belvoir, after volunteering to participate in the Joint Trauma System Valkyrie course while serving in a support role at the Fort Belvoir Optometry Department. The Joint Trauma System Valkyrie course prepares multidisciplinary medical teams to operate emergency fresh whole blood transfusion programs during large-scale combat operations and in maritime environments where traditional medical infrastructure may be limited or unavailable.
“This was not just any volunteer event,” said Cmdr. Paulette. “HM2 Cruz went above and beyond by allowing medical technicians to draw his blood, blood-type test it, and then put it back into his body. His dedication to this real-time training is a testament to his commitment to the readiness and effectiveness of our military medics and corpsmen. Hands-on training like this is so important to make sure our medical teams are ready to handle tough situations. HM2 Cruz really stepped up and showed what it means to go the extra mile.”
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Tropic Care 2014 provides Role 1 optometry, dental and medical care to the underserved population of Kaua'i.
Tropic Care 2014 provides Role 1 optometry, dental and medical care to the underserved population of Kaua'i.
WesternU's College of Optometry Scleral Soiree at the Fox Theatre's restaurant January 07, 2011. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)
Dr. Vinita Allee Henry, Associate Dean of Clinical Operations, Clinical Professor, talks about the new lab and education space for the College of Optomery inside the University of Missouri-St. Louis Patient Care Center. The UMSL College of Optometry held the 2023 Optometry Showcase on July 28, 2023. The event introduced prospective students to the exciting field of optometry, UMSL, the admission process and how to be a competitive college of optometry applicant. Guests had an opportunity to tour the College of Optometry, speak with faculty and current students, and learn more about the UMSL College of Optometry program.
Tropic Care 2014 provides Role 1 optometry, dental and medical care to the underserved population of Kaua'i.
Students from the Colleges of Optometry and Nursing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and students from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy participated in a Poverty Simulation. The simulation was designed to expose participants to the complexities of poverty. Each student played the role of a specific family member, and throughout each “week,” they had to overcome certain challenges and meet different needs for their family. UMSL faculty, staff and volunteers helped with the simulation.
October 26, 2016. Boston, MA.
New England School of Optometry
Profiles in Vision 2016.
© 2016 Marilyn Humphries
October 26, 2016. Boston, MA.
New England School of Optometry
Profiles in Vision 2016.
© 2016 Marilyn Humphries
October 26, 2016. Boston, MA.
New England School of Optometry
Profiles in Vision 2016.
© 2016 Marilyn Humphries
WesternU's College of Optometry Scleral Soiree at the Fox Theatre's restaurant January 07, 2011. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)
WesternU's College of Optometry Scleral Soiree at the Fox Theatre's restaurant January 07, 2011. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)
WesternU's College of Optometry Scleral Soiree at the Fox Theatre's restaurant January 07, 2011. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)
WesternU's College of Optometry Scleral Soiree at the Fox Theatre's restaurant January 07, 2011. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)
Westway Eyecare, Your local or trusted eyecare optometry in Toronto & its nearby area. We have professional optometrists providing full eyecare service & always use the latest technology at affordable costs. Contact us or book an appointment with an expert or click www.westwayeyecare.com.
Tropic Care 2014 provides Role 1 optometry, dental and medical care to the underserved population of Kaua'i.
Tropic Care 2014 provides Role 1 optometry, dental and medical care to the underserved population of Kaua'i.
Tropic Care 2014 provides Role 1 optometry, dental and medical care to the underserved population of Kaua'i.
Tropic Care 2014 provides Role 1 optometry, dental and medical care to the underserved population of Kaua'i.
Tropic Care 2014 provides Role 1 optometry, dental and medical care to the underserved population of Kaua'i.
University of Missouri–St. Louis Optometry graduates, faculty and optometrists read The Optometric Oath during the college of optometry commencement.
Students from the Colleges of Optometry and Nursing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and students from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy participated in a Poverty Simulation. The simulation was designed to expose participants to the complexities of poverty. Each student played the role of a specific family member, and throughout each “week,” they had to overcome certain challenges and meet different needs for their family. UMSL faculty, staff and volunteers helped with the simulation.