Over two decades after graduating from Duluth East High School, one sailor has gotten a chance to serve at home – at least for a quick assignment.

Master at Arms Senior Chief (MACS) KC Dueñas first enlisted 24 years ago, after being inspired to join the military after the September 11 attacks. She’s since made a career of it, and served all over the world – with stops in Guam, Bahrain, and Cuba just to name a few.

“So a lot of bouncing around, but, it’s something different every tour.” Dueñas told WDIO.

Since enlisting, she’s worked in Security, saying it was the first job she picked to get her into the Navy as quick as possible. During that time, getting to take up new challenges, as well as working with the younger sailors, has been what’s kept her in the field.

“I learned a little different part of my job on whether it’s base security or ship security, expeditionary, strategic weapons. So a little different aspect of the job, but it’s still law enforcement.”

On each tour she says, she’s found time for community service projects, working at veterans homes or food banks to name just a few examples. But when she found out that the Navy would be doing community outreach in her hometown, she leapt at the chance.

“It’s amazing, actually. I found out that Duluth was hosting Navy Week and immediately put in all my paperwork to get up here and support this. It’s an amazing thing to be able to get out there and, you know, just support fellow Duluthians and show them, we’re in uniform, we’re here to support you.”

One of Senior Chief Dueñas’ stops was the Duluth Boys and Girls Club, getting a to visit with kids, answer questions, and do some arts and crafts – a chance to do good in her hometown.

“It’s all about the community outreach. It’s showing that we’re here, we’re supporting the communities, especially when there is not a big Navy presence within those communities themselves.”