From Sculptor to Sailor

BOSTON (NNS) -- Just days before shipping off to boot camp, a Navy Delayed Entry Program recruit lent his artistic talents to several ice sculptures in support of Boston's annual First Night Celebration held Dec. 31.

Anthony Pacitto, a chef and part-time ice sculptor from Wakefield, Mass., holds a culinary arts degree and has worked as a chef since 2004.

Pacitto said that he decided to join the Navy to see the world.

"I wanted a change – a chance to do good in the world," said Pacitto. "At 26, I just wasn't happy with where I was in my life, and the Navy is something I've always been interested in. I wanted to challenge myself."

His reasons for joining are becoming a popular sentiment among America's youth. So much so that the Navy changed its advertising brand in October 2009 from the older "Accelerate your life" campaign to "Americas Navy … a global force for good."

The first commercial advertisement under the new campaign, "The Calling," was launched Oct. 12 in connection with the Navy's 234th birthday. The second commercial under the campaign, "The Shield," is scheduled to air in February 2010. The new commercials and print products associated with the new brand are available at www.navy.com.

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command Rear Adm. Craig S. Faller recently said in a statement that "The Calling" is more than a recruiting slogan.

"It's a message to our Sailors … and our citizens across this great country what good we do around the world to help keep [Americans] safe at home," Faller said.

Faller said it is this "call to serve" that is drawing young people to naval service.

Research gathered by Navy Recruiting Command and its civilian advertising agency, Campbell-Ewald, found that people considering naval service are primarily doing so because they want to do their part in making the world a better place.

Navy Counselor (SCW) Greg Perpignan, who is the recruiter in charge at the Waltham, Mass., Navy Recruiting Station, said Pacitto is exactly what the Navy is looking for.

"He showed up knocking on the door," Perpignan said. "He wanted the Navy bad and was going to do whatever it took to get it."

He said Pacitto initially wasn't qualified to join because his test scores were too low and his weight was too high, but that wouldn't stop him.

"He showed up to meetings even before he was able to enlist," said Perpignan. "He would come in and help around the office and he kept working on his test scores and fitness until he got them both within standards. He definitely has the work ethic to be successful in the Navy."

Eventually Pacitto was able to enroll in the Navy's delayed entry program, and he will leave for basic training Jan. 20.

Donald Chapelle, owner of Brilliant Ice Sculptures located in Lawrence, Mass., and Pacitto's boss for the past 6 years, said he is happy for his former protégé but admits that his shoes will be hard to fill. He said the Navy is gaining a valuable asset because not only is Pacitto talented but he is hardworking as well.

"You know … you can have all the talent in the world and still be lazy," said Chapelle. "People who are ambitious, hardworking and willing to learn are the people who become successful. I think he's a rock star."

After basic training, Pacitto will receive follow-on training to become a boatswain's mate – a far departure from working in the kitchen – leaving the question, why didn't the cook enlist as a cook?

"My plan right now is just to make it to day two of boot camp," Pacitto said, "It's just like the movie 'Men of Honor.' If I don't get to the top, then I don't consider it a success. I want to be a chief – I want to be a master chief. The next time I work in a kitchen it will be at my own restaurant."

For more news from Navy Recruiting District New England, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrdne/.