Winter Garden native serving on Navy warship

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Ray, a native of Winter Garden, is serving aboard USS Ramage, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport.

Ray graduated from West Orange High School in 2008.

“I came from a tight-knit community where everyone looked out for each other,” Ray said. “That mindset has helped me in the Navy because, at the end of the day, we are all a team. We cannot accomplish the mission alone, and we have to lean on other sailors in one way or another.”

Ray joined the Navy six years ago. Today, he serves as an operations specialist.

“My grandfather’s service inspired me to join the Navy,” he said. “I also wanted to travel.”