NORFOLK, Va. — In a special Military Matters report, Kiii News Reporter Bill Churchwell was invited to the world's largest Navy base in Norfolk, Va., to get a first-hand look at what it takes to become a sailor in the U.S. Navy.
It's where he met a Texas mom who is an example of a real world Wonder Woman.
Naval Station Norfolk also has the world's largest Navy exchange where sailors can find just about everything they need. There are literally rows and rows of uniforms, and if Bill was going to get the full experience of life as a sailor, he needed to look the part.
Cmdr. Dave Hecht of Naval Air force Atlantic helped Bill suit up.
"Size looks good," Hecht said. "We've got to get a belt on you, but you are still missing something."
Hecht placed a a velcro patch that said "Churchwell" on Bill's chest.
"A little longer than most names, but it looks good," Hecht said. "It's official now."
Much more would be needed in preparation for the experience of a lifetime -- the opportunity to fly out to an aircraft carrier off the East Coast.
Petty Officer Olivia Garza from Houston helped Bill figure out what he needed as he looked at a table where several items were placed.
"The essentials. Socks, gloves, towels, so you have to fit everything into this bag," Garza said. "It's Jenga."
The Texas native said it was her pride, patriotism and eagerness to serve that drove her to enlist in the U.S. Navy. She said her time in school planted that seed.
"I went through four years of JROTC in high school," Garza said. "My instructor there really inspired me to join the military."
Garza is married and has a six-year-old son. She said it's her family that continues to inspire her every day.
The real world Wonder Woman said she draws her strength and courage from one special person.
"My mom is my hero, and her favorite superhero is Wonder Woman, so my mom is my Wonder Woman," Garza said.
Garza said she hasn't been deployed yet, but it's something she is looking forward to.
"It's a great experience," Garza said. "You get to see different things, and it's an opportunity to travel the world. To know you can pack your life into a little sea bag, I would jump at the chance for that."
Leaving everything and everyone behind to keep our country safe. Of course, there are things she misses about the Lone Star State.
"The first thing I do when I go home is get Whataburger and go see my family," Garza said, "but mainly revolves around food."