In Search Of Heroes Program

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June 15, 2005

"Interviews of Military and Charitable Organization Heroes Coming Soon" by Ralph Zuranski

Recently, two heroes of extraordinary capabilities have come into my life. I am so inspired by their lives and ability to serve and protect others, it is time to kick off the interviews of military heroes and charitable organization heroes.

The first military hero will be Captain Tony Gonzales, the Commander of the Point Loma Naval Base. He has proven to be a man of great integrity and compassion for the members of his family, church and command.

Click Here to see the photo albums of the Grand Re-Opening of the phenomenal "Oceanview Room" on the Point Loma Naval Base that had to be almost completely rebuilt because of major storm damage. Captain Gonzales assembled a crack team of military specialists and civilian contractors to complete the repairs in record time.

Captain Anthony J. Gonzales was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert A. Gonzales. He entered the Navy following High School and commenced his first sea duty in July 1969, aboard USS RUFF (MSCO 54) in Long Beach, California. Following this tour, he then served onboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) and was selected for the Navy Nuclear Power Program as an Electrician's Mate. Following Nuclear Power School and Prototype training, he sailed on USS SKATE (SSN 578), USS PHILADELPHIA (SSN 690) and pre-commissioning unit of USS OMAHA (SSN 692).

Following commissioning as a Limited duty Officer, he served as Electrical Technical Assistant and Electrical Officer onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) from June 1980 to July 1983 in Alameda, California. He then served as a Nuclear Ship Superintendent and as the Assistant Nuclear Repair Officer at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington from July 1983 to February 1987.

Captain Gonzales completed his Department Head tour as Auxiliaries Officer onboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) from March 1987 to March 1990. From March 1990 to March 1993, he served as the Assistant Material Officer for the Pacific Fleet Trident Submarines on the Staff of Commander, Submarine Squadron 17.

Selected for command, Captain Gonzales took command of the WATERFORD (ARD 5) in Groton, Connecticut, from May 1993 to April 1995. During his tour, WATERFORD was selected as the COMSUBLANT Battle Efficiency "E" recipient for 1994, and the Medical & Supply "E" recipient for 1993 and 1994.

Following his command tour, Captain Gonzales stood up the Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and served as Production Officer for the Navy's first and only Integrated Surface and Submarine Maintenance Facility in May 1995. During his tour, he established the baseline for regional maintenance in the Navy, and NAVIMFAC was the Secretary of the Navy's nomination for the Department of Defense Maintenance award 2 years consecutively.

Captain Gonzales then served as Executive Officer of USS MCKEE (AS 41) from March 1998 to September 1999. During this tour the MCKEE completed a 6-month MIDPAC Deployment to support regional maintenance and a subsequent homeport shift of the ship from San Diego, CA to Norfolk, VA for decommissioning.

Captain Gonzales then reported to the staff of Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet where he served as the Deputy Ship Material Officer from September 1999 until March 2000. Captain Gonzales then served onboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) as Chief Engineer from April 2000 to June 2003. He completed two extended deployments including a combat deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom. He assumed command of Naval Base Point Loma in August, 2003.

In addition to the Surface Warfare Insignia and the Submarine Warfare Enlisted Insignia, Captain Gonzales is authorized to wear the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and numerous campaign and unit awards.

Dr. Asa Morton, MD also served time in the military. He is a surgeon who specializes in facial reconstruction. Six years ago he assembled a team of doctors, surgeons, dentists, nurses and civilians to travel to a small city in Guatemala to provide medical and dental care to the community. This program is a part of the HELPS Organization that speicalizes in missions of mercy around the world. Click Here to see the photos of his Special Thank You Event For Donors and Supporters.

Asa Morton, M.D., a native San Diegan, received his undergraduate degree from Revelle College, University of California, San Diego. Prior to pursuing a career in medicine he took time to fulfill a childhood dream of flight and served five years as a Navy jet pilot. Having realized his dream of flight Asa Morton, M.D. was able to pursue his medical training. He received his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland. During this time he was honored with selection to the prestigious Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, later serving as President of the local chapter. Upon graduation Asa Morton, M.D.was awarded the Surgeon General Award for academic excellence, medical professionalism and leadership skills.

Asa Morton, M.D. completed his internship and ophthalmology residency training at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, during which he was selected as the Intern of the Year. Upon completion of his residency Asa Morton, M.D. was assigned to the Naval Hospital Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, where he ran the Ophthalmology Department. Selected for the highly competitive University of Michigan program (Go Blue), Asa Morton, M.D. spent 2 years studying and operating with innovators in the field of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of the eyelids, forehead, midface, orbits and lacrimal system.

Asa Morton, M.D. served as the Director of Oculoplastics and Orbital Reconstruction, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, more commonly known as the "President's Hospital". At present he is on faculty at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University.

Asa Morton, M.D. is committed to volunteering various humanitarian surgical missions and education programs for medical providers in developing nations. Over the past decade he has served as both teacher and surgeon in Pakistan, India, Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala. Asa Morton, M.D. is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Asa Morton, M.D. brings this extensive training and experience to Eye Care of San Diego / California Laser Vision Inc., offering Facial Rejuvenation services.

Their In Search Of Heroes Interviews will be coming soon. These unique individuals will set the tone of the future interview of individuals who are making the world a better place on a massive scale.

Today's Date

Posted by isoh at June 15, 2005 03:00 PM

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