By Alvin Plexico | Navy Office of Community Outreach | Special to the OBSERVER
FORT MEADE, Maryland – Seaman Timothy Dimal, a native of Sacramento, California, is serving at Defense Information School (DINFOS), the premier communication learning institution, vital to the success of public affairs professionals across the Department of Defense, the United States government, and international partners.
Dimal attended Sheldon High School and graduated in 2013. Today, Dimal uses skills and values similar to those learned in Sacramento.
“I learned the importance of diversity from my hometown,” said Dimal. “Everyone is different, and you can learn a lot from their differences.”
These lessons continue to help Dimal while serving in the military.
For the last 55 years, DINFOS has trained communicators across the Department of Defense to help their organizations achieve strategic and operational goals through applied public affairs strategies and visual information products. Courses offered by DINFOS include Digital Multimedia, Joint Contingency Public Affairs, Broadcast Journalism, Graphic Design and more.
Serving in the Navy means Dimal is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We’re here to protect the waters around our country and other countries around the world,” said Dimal. “A lot of other countries are surrounded by water, which gives us the advantage of forward presence. Knowing we’re there and seeing our ships can help deter aggression.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Dimal and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m proud that I joined the military,” said Dimal. “It wasn’t something I really thought of as a kid, but I’m glad I joined and that I get to use my photography interests to serve in the military.”
As Dimal and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride,” added Dimal. “My grandfather and uncle both served in the Navy. The reason we’re here is because my grandfather served in the Navy. He was able to bring family here to America from the Philippines. The Navy offers me the opportunity to pay back for what the nation’s given to my family.”