Each month the Defense Department celebrates the contributions of Americans to the nation’s history. For Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Bobby Raines, a highly skilled corpsman, his commitment to service reflects a legacy of dedication influenced by his family and pivotal moments in his career.
Raines, a determined and capable sailor, knew from age 17 that he wanted to join the military. "I take great pride in serving in the Navy," he said, crediting his father, a retired Navy veteran, for inspiring his decision to enlist.
Initially, Raines aspired to become a naval officer, but he chose to first enlist and build his experience, with the possibility of pursuing a commission later. After excelling in basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended corpsman school at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, where he honed the technical and medical skills that define his role today.
From 2014 to 2016, Raines served with distinction at Naval Branch Health Clinic Port Hueneme in California. The pinnacle of his Navy career came when he was stationed at U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Japan. "I felt like a vital link during joint activities, contributing to mission success," he said, highlighting his ability to perform effectively in complex environments.
From 2018 to 2021, Raines served at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. He currently has orders to join the 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where his expertise will continue to support the force.
Beyond his duties as a corpsman, Raines is a standout member of the All-Navy Wrestling team. An accomplished athlete, he aspires to compete in the Olympics and win a gold medal for the United States. "Wrestling has shaped my character," he said. "In high school, it built the confidence I’ve carried forward, enabling me to take on leadership roles and tackle new challenges."
Raines describes wrestling practice as grueling, noting that it makes everything else in life seem manageable by comparison. Since joining the team in 2015, his dedication has earned him notable achievements, including third place at the 2014 Midwest Nationals and second place at international tournaments in Tokyo in 2016 and 2017.
In addition to his military and athletic pursuits, Raines is working toward a degree in accounting, showcasing his commitment to personal and professional growth.