Editor’s Note: Chris Deddo is a 2018 graduate of SUNY Maritime. He was a major reason in why the Privateers were able to turn a dormant program into Skyline Conference Champs in 2017. He participated in our 2018 Axcess Invitational, shortly after joining the United States Marines. The following words are his own…)
In May of 2018, I found myself pinning on the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and becoming a member of the most lethal fighting force in the world. The United States Marines.
The decision to become a leader of Marines was something that did not just happen overnight. It was a long process that started from when I was a little kid. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a family of people who dedicated their life to service. My father Michael Deddo Jr., retired from the NYPD with 32 years of distinguished service and my mother, Jennifer Deddo, who currently works as a nurse in the New York City public school system. It is because of them that I am successful as an officer today. Furthermore, seeing my brother Michael Deddo III go through the United States Military Academy and commission as an officer in the United States Army really made me decide that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Being able to serve in the military alongside my brother is an honor that I am grateful for every day.
Once I made the decision to join, it was time to train and prepare for the job that would that would change my life. This training all started at Maritime College. Maritime allowed me to develop as a leader on and off the baseball field. From the President of the college, Rear Admiral Michael A. Alfultis, all the way to the Regimental Officers and amazing Merchant Mariners I was always around, I learned what it meant to be dedicated to a cause, and what real leadership looked like. Maritime College allowed me to be a part of a family that extends from the current students to all of the alumni. We all share a bond of dedication and a love of something that it bigger than ourselves.
My development as an officer wouldn’t be complete if it wasn’t for baseball. There are two people I contribute my success on and off the field to. Kevin Hughes and Charlie Barbieri. Kevin Hughes was my hitting coach for over ten years and instilled the “blue collar” mindset that was crucial for me in order to play the game the right way. He made me understand that no matter what the score is or what inning it was, you always play the game hard and hustle on and off the field because you never know who is watching. This lesson has stuck with me to this day and is a large reason on why I have been successful in life. One more life changing opportunity was coaching Aces Baseball with Kevin. This furthered my development and gave me an understanding of how to mentor young men on and off the field, I am thankful to Levinson family and Aces Baseball for that opportunity.
One of the first things I told Coach Barbieri my freshmen year at Maritime was that we were going to win a conference championship together, and we did exactly that. Coach Barbieri allowed me to develop as a leader in ways I cannot even put into words. His guidance and freedom to allow myself and my teammates to lead the team the way that we wanted was a main reason that Maritime Baseball turned around and had instant success. I look back at my time with Coach Barbieri and remember nothing but dedication and enthusiasm for a program that has limitless potential and I envy all of the players that currently play for him.
As May 2018 came, and I commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, I started my career with six months of training in Quantico, Virginia where I found out I would become a logistics officer with 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, in Camp Pendleton, California. Serving in this storied Marine Corps unit, I find myself working with the best men and women this nation has to offer. Working for Marines who have countless years of combat experience in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, they show me on a daily basis what it means to be a superior officer and how to lead junior Marines the right way. No matter how difficult the training is, or how “tough” a situation may seem, we as Marines are always in it together and the person that matters is the Marine to the left and right of you. We are a family and I would do anything for my brothers and sisters.
Lastly, on this Veteran’s Day I would like to thank all of my family members who have served and are currently serve in the military, Elizabeth Wells (US Air Force), Stephen M Wells Jr (US Army), Stephen M Wells III (US Army), Stephen M Well IV (US Marines), Stewart Wells (US Marines), Jeffery Wells (US Army), Lawrence Marcario (US Army), Matthew Nolan (US Marines), Michael Deddo Sr (US Air Force), Joseph M. Deddo (US Army), Joseph LaFranca (US Army) and finally my brother who is currently serving in Afghanistan, Michael Deddo III, stay safe brother.
