MAYO, Fla. — In this small Florida town, a poignant story of military service is evident in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby. Starting that story was Staff Sgt. Chris S. Creese of the 1-265th Air Defense Artillery, who served a total of 21 years in the military, beginning with four years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. After completing his initial obligation, he left the Marine Corps, but felt a call to serve again after the 9/11 attacks and the outbreak of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Although considered too old to rejoin the Marine Corps at age 40, his determination led him to the Florida Army National Guard, where he continued his service and became an inspiration to those around him, especially his family.

When Staff Sgt. Creese’s daughter fell in love and planned to get married, he was sure to pass on his deeply held values ​​of service to her fiancé, Sgt. 1st Class Samuel E. Segura. Sgt. 1st Class Segura embraced this legacy wholeheartedly and served in the Florida National Guard for 17 years. The values ​​of service that Staff Sgt. Creese instilled were clear to see and demonstrated the strong tradition that the Creese family upheld.

Sergeant First Class Segura, in turn, passed these values ​​on to his own son, Pfc. Gabriel J. Segura. PFC Segura, who joined the Florida Army National Guard in May 2024, is the youngest member of this line of service.

When asked about his son-in-law’s promotion to a higher rank, Staff Sgt. Creese expressed immense pride. “I couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law or role model for my grandson,” said Creese.

Sergeant First Class Segura modestly noted of the dynamic, “There is no resignation, there is only respect. I admire him and that feels good.” This mutual admiration underscores the deep bonds formed by their shared experiences and values. Pfc. Segura described his feelings about having both his father and grandfather in the same unit. “It’s strange, but comforting,” he said. “Although I wouldn’t address my father or grandfather in uniform to avoid favoritism, I seek their advice off duty.” He humorously added, “I like inheriting my father’s gear since we share the same name.”

This family’s commitment to military service still makes an impact. PFC Segura, a National Guard Minuteman Scholarship recipient, will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this month. All three Soldiers, who serve together in the 1-265th ADA, embody a deep connection to their state and country, as demonstrated by their work following Hurricane Debby.