Chanda and Terry Phousirith, November 2017 (mother and son) Photo: Lee Beecher As my family shuttled through the gate at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, CA this past weekend, I felt tense in the presence of armed military personnel on gate duty. We had our phones down and heads up from our side-conversations. As soon as my uncle Terry showed his identification, I felt an immediate reassurance as the sailor called out, “have a great day, Master Chief.” Rank and rate matters to these men and women who serve the United States Navy and all our armed forces. So when they presented Souliyong Terry Phousirith with an official retirement ceremony, it showed our family that this country truly appreciates my uncle’s 30 years of faithful and honorable service. Invited guests included command officers, his fellow retirees, non-commissioned officers, shipmates, sailors, friends, and family. He reached the rating of Maintenance Master Chief Petty Officer, making him the first Lao American to achieve the highest enlisted rating of the U.S. Navy.  In July of …