7/11/07--Heroes...and where you find them

I talk to my sister and brother on average of about once a week or so....and as we talk about our kids and raising them, inevitably I find that I will remark that I did something that "reminded me of Dad".  Its amazing how much you find yourself behaving and doing things like your parents as you grow older....which is of course the ultimate irony, considering when you are busy growing up, the last thing you want to do is be like your parents.  And yet, it happens....

Yesterday I got an interesting email from my Dad and at first I didn't quite understand why he was sending it to me.  You see, yesterday was the 60th anniversary of my father's enlistment in the U.S. Navy.  I sat there and continued to read what he had written, the pride that was evident in his words and realized....as I finished reading...that sometimes our greatest heroes are the ones that are closest to our hearts.  Enjoy the read....and Dad, your kids are rightfully very proud.


 

Today, sixty years ago, I raised my right hand and took the oath to enlist in the U.S. NAVY.  I was placed aboard a troop train and transported to USNTC, Great Lakes, ILL

 

I was placed in Company 260 and could not wait for the 13 weeks to graduation.  I wish I saved my issue "ditty bag" (that we had to pay for !!).  Also my "flat hat" with the ship's name on the ribbon.

My pay grade was as a Seaman Recruit, SR 1.  Pay was $95 a month.

*Please download the attachment below...

 

I was then stationed aboard the USS W.T. POWELL (DER-213) as a

Seaman Apprentice, pay grade SA 2.  I chipped paint & spread "red lead" until someone discovered I could type.  I then was assigned to the Supply Office and three days later, the NIS team swarmed aboard and all Storekeepers were handcuffed and taken away.  That left me, a Seaman Apprentice , as senior enlisted person in the Supply Dept.  We departed for GTMO three days later.  Somehow, the ship survived...we arrived back to NavShipyard, Phil., Pa.  The CO gave me a Commendatory Captain's Mast and told me to expect a set of orders to Supply School in Red Hook, NJ.

 

During the waiting time for the orders, I developed a Sulfa reaction from a dental extraction.  The dental surgeon, a Captain, found out I had prosthetic experience while working in high school.  He had me sign a request to transfer to The Medical Dept. of The Navy.  Zap my transfer orders back to Great Lakes were on the ship the next day.

 

From there, my Navy progression continues thru the enlisted pay grades to where, as stationed aboard the USS NEWPORT NEWS, CA 148 (a heavy cruiser),  I was fortunate to be selected for commission in a newly formed Corps within the USN....The Medical Service Corps...

 

I retired after 25 years of active duty (and three additional years of Guard service) (another story, another time) as a Commander, (pay grade 05), MSC, USN as the Administrative Officer, US Naval Hospital, GTMO BAY, CUBA.

 

During the 25 years of naval service, I spent 15  great years with the Navy and 10 wonderful years with The US Marine Corps. "SEMPER FI"

 

I Thank God for a wonderful life, with a wonderful wife and family.  The adventure continues with "fire in my belly!!!

Later,
Jeff