Petty Officer 1st Class Karla Velilla, a resident of Schaumburg, Illinois, supports and defends freedom around the world as a Navy legalman, who is responsible for providing training, management and guidance to the legal clerks throughout the region.

Velilla is a 1994 Nova High School graduate and native of Hollywood, Florida. Velilla also earned a degree from Keiser University in 2019 majoring in homeland security and criminal justice.

Reservists seamlessly support and actively aid military missions while continuing to lead their own independent lives in the civilian world, according to Navy officials.

“The Navy Reserve is a 100K strong team of sailors embedded across the fabric of society, loyal and dedicated patriots, serving both in uniform and civilian jobs, ready to defend the homeland and deploy across the world in a moment’s notice,” said Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, Chief of Navy Reserve.

The Navy Reserve provides strategic depth to America’s Navy as it protects the American homeland and advances economic prosperity by preserving freedom of the seas.

Reese works full-term serving as a Navy reservist.

“I volunteered for active duty for operational support orders back in May of 2019,” said Velilla

As a Navy reservist, Velilla serves with Reserve Component Command Great Lakes responsible for being the regional legalman over 24 naval operational support centers.

Velilla is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Velilla is most proud of proud of her advancement to first class petty officer.

“I’m proud of this accomplisment because I was told that I would have a difficult time advancing,” said Velilla. “I took this as a challenge, thought outside the box and moved forward with my plan. It worked!”

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Velilla, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Velilla is honored to carry on that family tradition.

“Both my father and brother served in the Army,” said Velilla.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Velilla and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy, especially as a reservist, means so much to me,” added Velilla. “I can’t imagine my life without it. I feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose because of it. I’m challenged every week and I love proving to myself that I can do it.”

By Theodore Quintana

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class , Navy Office of Community Outreach

As Americans reflect on the service of military men and women this Veterans Day, some may not realize that they are fellow residents with those who serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve.