Text NAVYBONUS to 764764 for information.
Text HELP for help. Msg & data rates may apply.

SELFLESS

Natalie Tardif runs an equipment check on a U.S. Navy vessel

NATALIE’S BIO

Natalie Tardif is a mom; she is also a Sailor, fire controlman, and warrior. People ask her everyday how she does it—how can she be a mom and have a job that takes her away from her kids? Her answer is poetically simple, “this is how I’m providing for my family.”

Natalie has experienced the military from all perspectives—from Navy child, to Army wife, to current Sailor. Her stepfather was an EOD tech and though she felt his absence at home profoundly, she learned to understand his sacrifice as a contribution both to family and to country.

That is how, when tough times struck her own family, she was able to sacrifice her time away from them in order to protect their future. When her husband came home from two scarring tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he was not ready to find a job in the civilian world. Natalie’s military career started as soon as his ended. With only two months left in their savings, she joined the Navy at 30 years old.

Though the separation from her husband and three kids was at times tough, the Navy provides Natalie with a paycheck, medical benefits and something more unexpected—the opportunity to have experiences all her own. She tested her limits in a tech field despite her unease with computers and succeeded in earning one of the most competitive ranks in the Navy—Fire Controlman (FC). Aboard every ship, she finds a second family among Sailors until she comes back home to her own. Natalie is proof that being a mom, does not mean giving up adventure, nor does adventure mean giving up being a mom.

Natalie Tardif poses for a photo with her husband and three sons

 

SELFLESS

FIRE CONTROLMAN

As a Fire Controlman (FC), you are the foundation of a ship’s combat readiness; but these guns require more than good aim. As one of only two ratings in the Advanced Electronics/ Computer field, you will operate, maintain, and control everything from radars, fire control systems and computer systems to the Navy’s most advanced missile system, Aegis, which uses radar technology to detect, track, and eliminate targets all in one. This job requires highly specialized training and intricate attention. You are the mind behind the mechanisms that safeguard American lives, both on board and at home.

Natalie Tardif, U.S. Navy fire controlman, in full Navy uniform attire

 

More Episodes

The Fighter

Kaylah Gillums's dad taught her how to box. The Naval Academy taught her to fight.

READ MORE

The Protector

When disaster strikes, Aircrewman Esmelin Villar leaps into action to save lives.

READ MORE

The Quiet Professional

Silence is a weapon. And no one wields it better than SWCC Boat Operator Nick O’Sullivan. Meet one of the Navy’s best kept secrets now.

READ MORE

The Provider

When Ana Monterrosa became a single mother at 18, everyone told her to stop chasing her dreams, but Ana knew she was capable of more.

READ MORE

Snipe

Engineman Desirae Martinez rolled up her sleeves to become one of the Navy’s first female Mark VI Patrol Boat coxswains.

READ MORE

The Bridge

After a traumatic accident, Hospital Corpsman Dominique Velazquez made a miraculous recovery and joined the Navy to pay it forward.

READ MORE

Liberated

Health Care Administrator Diana Tran-Yu proudly serves the country that gave her freedom.

READ MORE

The Lens

Photographer Kathleen Gorby tells the Navy’s story through the lens of her camera.

READ MORE

Chaps

Chaplain LT Autumn Wilson found that opening her mind can help open others’ hearts.

READ MORE

Patch Wearers

The real pilots of TOPGUN aren't the mavericks the world believes they are.

READ MORE

Homecoming

Doctor treats infectious diseases worldwide—including her childhood home of Liberia.

READ MORE

The Interpreter

Digging for purpose didn’t happen in her own backyard—it took her all the way to Bahrain.

READ MORE

The Seventh Sailor

Home's hard to leave. This Sailor watched 6 siblings join the Navy before it was his turn.

READ MORE

The Wallflower

Sometimes, it takes four legs to remind you how important your purpose is in the world.

READ MORE

Stuntwoman

Dreamed of doing her own stunts but found action that doesn't end when they yell "cut."

READ MORE

The Achiever

For one homeless teen, a Navy education offered a chance to make the world a better place.

READ MORE

El Oyente

Justin Alvarado found his way as he journeyed to Spain in search of a new path in the Navy.

READ MORE

Junior

Michael Benitez thought he was leaving family behind but found a new one joining the Navy.

READ MORE

THE WALK-ON

Some train to play college football, but former SEAL Damian Jackson simply walked on.

READ MORE

Lifeline

Being curious changed this Sailor's mind about the Navy. Then it changed her life.

READ MORE

The Ascender

A life of relocation and instability set him up to fail, but the Navy ensured his success.

READ MORE

Life Preserver

A life preserver. Sailor saves people from perils at sea and feeds the hungry on days off.

READ MORE

Dirt Sailor

This Sailor learned the importance of a meaningful life while staying true to his roots.

READ MORE

The Driver

As a Navy Reserve Sailor in America's Navy, he’s also chasing his dreams to become a NASCAR driver.

READ MORE

Momma Bear

She juggles multiple roles with pride and proves you can accomplish anything in the Navy.

READ MORE

Miss Congeniality

In remaining an individual, she exemplifies the strength in staying true to yourself.

READ MORE

Citizen No. T399836

Sailor uses personal struggles by giving back to the country that gave his family so much.

READ MORE