SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Savannah native is promoted while serving with the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO).

Fourteen years ago, Erick Lamar Badger began his journey in the Navy as an undesignated deck seaman. Now, he holds the position of public affairs officer and event planner for NAVCO in Millington, Tenn., and has achieved the rank of lieutenant junior grade.

Badger comes from a family of military service members, so he always knew that he would end up serving in the military.

Badger believes there are infinite possibilities for growth and offered advice to children and teens in Savannah:

“Your potential is not limited by your environment,” Badger expressed. “Don’t get stuck in the patterns of your hometown; consider your future prospects. Trust your instincts and have confidence in yourself. Pursue everything you aspire to. Failure is part of the process, and it’s alright. Just rise, dust yourself off, and continue moving forward. You can become anyone you wish to be as long as you make the effort, but the key is to take that first step.”

Badger attended Sol C. Johnson High School in Thunderbolt.