SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Saying he's ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work — just as soon as he's done at medical — local Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Ruck tells Duffel Blog that he's proud to choose a life of service and sacrifice, asking every day not what his country can do for him but what he can do half-assed for his country.

"Truthfully, I don't even consider this work. It's a privilege to serve my Navy and this country," Ruck said, before adding: "By the way, think there’s any chance we’ll swing a half-day Friday?”

Ruck, 25, serves aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu as an Operations Specialist. A native of Hartford, Conn., the regular John Henry says growing up the son of an upper-middle class pharmaceuticals representative taught him the indelible value of a honest day's work. These hard-knock lessons have apparently paid off in spades aboard the Peleliu, where, by his own account, Ruck has earned a reputation as a driven, task-oriented professional.