U.S. Embassy Photo Release

May 30, 2007

 

 

Filipino-American Sailor Reunited with Family

During Visit of USNS San Jose

 

 

 

A retired U.S. Navy sailor, now a civilian Supply Officer, was reunited with his family last week during a routine port visit by the USNS San Jose.  Jose Bernal, who is a Filipino-American, lives and works in the United States but still has family in the Philippines

 

The USNS San Jose, which is an American Naval ship, docked in Manila Pier last week as part of a routine stop for supplies and fuel.  Pictured above, Mr. Bernal is reunited with his wife, Teresita, and children Johanna and John Paul, who live in Baguio.  His two adult sons live in the United States.  Mr. Bernal served 23 years in the U.S. Navy and retired in 1989, but “he just doesn’t want to retire yet,” said his wife.  Mr. Bernal last visited Baguio in March 2007 for a month-long vacation.

 

During their visit to the Philippines, the 30 U.S. Sailors and 150 civilian crew members of the USNS San Jose, approximately 75% of whom are Filipino- Americans, donated school supplies to local districts and visited a Quezon City orphanage to paint its premises and play with the children.

 

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