C.N. Bring's Blog: The Celia Kelly Series, page 6

CN Salutes MSgt Carole A. Cudnik, USAF

MSgt Carole A. Cudnik, USAF Women have always played a huge role in our military and today CN Salutes one of them, E-7 Master Sergeant Carole A Cudnik.
Cudnik enlisted in 1983 in the USAF delayed-entry program, and went active duty in August 1984. She went in open general, without a guaranteed job, hoping to land something in the medical field, as Cudnik had worked four years in a hospital prior to entering active duty. After completing a series of written tests in basic training, the Air Force classified her as an Intelligence Analyst.
When Cudnik asked her Training Instructor.  "What would I be doing?" The response was “You’re not cleared to know that yet”.  Cudnik served from1984-2008 and retired as a E-7 Master Sergeant.


 
What did you like most about serving?
I liked the idea that I was doing something good, and was a part of something bigger. I enjoyed seeing new countries and learning about new cultures. I’ve also made some very dear life-long friendships.

What prompted you to serve?
I’m from a small town in West Virginia. Back in those days, if you had been to Ohio and Pennsylvania, you were well traveled. I wanted to see something more and do something different.

 What was some of the greatest challenges you faced?
Leaving my family behind, especially when the kids were smaller. I remember leaving for an overseas trip, back when your family could still accompany you to your boarding gate and see you off, my not-quite-two-year-old son yelled “goodbye, Mommy” while I was in line to board. I think I cried for a few hours on that flight. Also, the military lifestyle can be hard on a marriage.  My husband and I both had been married before to military spouses, and it was difficult. Right before he and I married, he separated from the Air Force so he could follow me wherever I was sent.

What was the most rewarding experience?
Doing things I would never have dreamed of, if I’d stayed in West Virginia, and making some excellent life-long friendships.

What was the training and prep for your MOS?
It was a five-month or so training course at Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo, TX. I was there over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays, which added more time overall, since classes were cancelled during those timeframes.

How did serving affect your family? Did they find their part of service rewarding? 
I had already completed two overseas and one stateside assignment before marriage & kids.  My daughter was born in Key West, FL; a few years later we PCS’d (Permanent Change of Station) to Maryland, where my son was born.  For the longest time, my young son thought everyone was connected to the military. Once, when we were driving from Maryland to Michigan to visit my in-laws, I remember him asking what base his grandparents lived on. He was not quite four at the time, and I never realized until then just how “military” we were. He seemed amazed that not everyone was connected with the military. Shortly after our first PCS overseas as a family, I reminded my then pre-teen daughter of a bit of military protocol; she looked me square in the eyes, hands on hips, and said “I got this, Mom; I’ve been doing this military thing my entire life, remember?”  We had a good laugh over that one. We did quite a bit of traveling, so the kids saw more than most kids their ages. When we were stationed in England, our family went on a Scout trip to Normandy (Omaha Beach) for a ceremony in honor of the 60th anniversary of D-Day, and my son was selected to lay a wreath during the ceremony. (See below)

My daughter went with the church youth group to Slovakia to teach Vacation Bible School and help rebuild a playground one summer. While they had fun doing new things, they had to sacrifice childhood experiences that their cousins took for granted.  Every PCS move was difficult as they left schools and friends they had come to love. My son seemed to go with the flow, but my daughter doesn’t like change; each PCS move was a bit traumatic for her. Now that she’s in college, she’s glad for the experiences she had. Every day I’m thankful for husband; I couldn’t have done this without his support.

What opportunities, advantages, or disadvantages did you have after reentering civilian life?
I think my transition to civilian life was easier, as I landed a job as a defense contractor in the same unit from which I’d retired. I really can’t image not living near an Air Force base. I recently gave up contracting life and started my own business. I’m using my Post 911 GI bill to finish my college degree, which always took a back seat to everything else.

What is your advice to someone thinking about serving his or her country?
My uncle told me that I couldn’t join until I had talked to a recruiter from all branches of service.  I think that was excellent advice. Also, consider the uniqueness of each branch; not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot, but it’s a good bet that if you join the Navy, at some point or another in your career, you’ll be on a ship – so if you get seasick, reconsider your choice or learn to live with it. Also, realize that needs of the military always come first – you might not get the job you want if the military needs you in something else. Last, and most important, don’t let one assignment in your young career influence you, especially if you didn’t like that assignment.  Keep an open mind and find positive things about where you’re stationed or what your role is.

THANK YOU E-7 MASTER SERGEANT CAROLE A CUDNIK FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Today Carole Cudnik is a Freelance Editor, Proofreader & Researcher in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Florida area.

MSgt Cudnik with husband Tracy, daughter Shaina and son Zachary during a Trans-Atlantic Boy Scouts weekend in Normandy, France, for 60th Anniversary of D-Day celebrations.

Meet Navy Brat / Navy Wife Andie Newberry-Tubs

Father's Day 1966, Oakland, CA Andie Newberry-Tubs then 5 months old. Navy Dad giving away a Navy bride. CN salutes Andie Newberry-Tubs a former Navy brat and Navy wife. For most of her life, the Navy life was all Tubs knew. Her father was in Electronic Warfare. He was the youngest Chief in the Navy and made Master Chief (E-9) in 16 years. Here is a look into one experience of what being part of a Navy family is like.

What expected of you a military Brat?
We knew the rules, and we had to follow them.

What you like most about growing up in the military?
Seeing my dad in uniform and knowing he was respected, and important.

What are some of the greatest challenges you faced?
Leaving friends as I got older.


What was the most rewarding experience?
Learning that a move wasn’t as bad as I thought. I actually liked my high school in Florida better than the one in California. But when you’re 16, you think you’re world is falling apart.

How did your father’s service affect the family?
It was what we knew, so we just rolled with it.

What opportunities or advantages or disadvantages did you have as a Military Brat?
It helped me as a navy wife. I was able to circumnavigate my way through red tape as a navy wife when I needed things done. Having had a father who was the highest rank on the enlisted side, I could talk to officers without a problem and get things accomplished for my family while my husband was gone.

What is your advice to someone thinking about serving their country?
Serve four years, you will be giving back to your country and learn a trade that could help

What Branch did your spouse serve, did he join before or after you were married?
My former husband, served in the navy. He joined before we were married. However, we were married when he went to boot camp.

What did you like best about the Navy as a Navy wife?
I enjoyed the moving, seeing different places.

What did you like the least?
The lack of support we as families received from the Navy on a whole.

What are some of the ways wives contribute in any given branch?
First, just being at home to take care of the home, and children. No military man can do his job without the wives at home doing theirs. Secondly, I would say getting involved in a family support group.

What organizations are available to support Navy wives? I only know of two. Family support groups that go with surface ships and Seabee battalions. Family Readiness Groups that are with Subs.

What advice do you have for other wives in the military today?
First, you married him knowing his job, don’t complain. It doesn’t help, and it’s not attractive. Second, find ways to stay as busy as you can while he’s away. That is honestly the best advice.

Overall, how do you feel this experience was as you raised your family? Like any job it had it’s pros and cons. For my girls, moving from California to Hampton Roads, Virginia in 2002 was not a good move. It was the middle of my oldest daughter’s high school year, my second daughter wasn’t able to continue in the gifted and talented program because the school in VA had higher requirements, and my youngest daughter who was just making strides declined. That could’ve happened with a civilian job, they get transferred too. They got to live in Hawaii for four years, California for twelve, and the beach area of Virginia for four. I don’t think they suffered too much.

THANK YOU ANDIE NEWBERRY-TUBS FOR YOUR SERVICE OF SUPPORT AND SACRIFICE!
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU SPOUSES OUT THERE SERVING OUR COUNTRY BY SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS HERE AT HOME.

Check out Andie Newberry-Tubs @
Book Review Blog: Radiant Light

CN SALUTES LT COLONEL FRANK MALINOWSKI & ARMY WIFE AUTHOR JUDITH SANDERS (MALINOWSKI)

Today I have the pleasure to honor Army veteran LT Colonel Frank Malinowski and his wife, Judith Sanders. Sander's is the author of In His Stead. Before her writing days, she served as an Army wife and nurse. 

ARMY LT COLONEL FRANK MALINOWSKI

I joined the Army reserves in 1981 under the US Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), a program to recruit physicians into military service.  During my 4 years in medical school at Albany Medical College I was a 2nd LT in the US Army reserve and spent 6 weeks each summer between medical school years on Active Duty; first at Ft. Meade, MD where I did Officer Basic Training, and then two clinical rotations, one at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the plastic surgery department (where I participated in the first toe-to-thumb transplant done at Walter Reed) and the last year at Brooke Army Medical Center, working in the Army’s Burn Center. Upon graduation, I served at Brooke Army Medical Center completing an internship in Surgery from Jul 85 to Jun 86.  I then moved to USAMRIID (US Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases) in Frederick, MD where I stayed from 86 to 92 when I left active duty.   When I entered my internship I was promoted to Captain and while at RIID I was promoted to Major.  I received three service awards; The Army Commendation Award (one for my research activities in vaccine development and a second one for service in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm (although that was for my service Stateside).  The third award was the Meritorious Service Medal for my RIID activities (see below).

I retired from active duty to inactive reserves in mid-1992 and periodically went on active duty to support the Army’s intelligence services in various ways.  I was promoted to LTColonel in 1994 and then retired from the Reserves a few years ago.

What were your duties?
My roles at RIID included working in their medical division, providing medical support to the employees (both civilian and military) of the Institute (this is the place with “hot suites” for handling dangerous pathogens like anthrax and ebola) and conducting clinical studies of new vaccines and drugs to prevent and/or treat those infections.  I often collaborated with research personnel from Walter Reed’s Institute of Research.  I also had an appointment working in the laboratories of the Virology Division working on laboratory studies to help understand the diseases caused by some of these pathogens and developing vaccines to prevent those diseases. I was also trained as a member of our medical response team that was prepared to go anywhere in the world to manage our military in the event of exposure to biological weapons. In 1990 I was recruited to work with the State Department, Army and other intelligence services, and a team from the British Government to participate in the first inspection of facilities in the Soviet Union (and later the Russian Independent States) that were violating the Biological Weapons Convention through their development of illegal biological weapons.  Later in 1991 I was also recruited to join the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) as a member of the first team to investigate Iraq’s illegal biological weapons program.

What did you like most about serving?
First, I was proud to serve my country with my talents in science and medicine.  My father and grandfather had been in the Navy in WWII and WWI, respectively.

Second, I enjoyed working with our soldiers, providing them the medical support they needed.

Third, I received a great education, not only during my medical school years when I went on active duty assignments, but through my internship in surgery and later when I was taught about the process for conducting clinical research in support of new medicines and vaccines under the guidance of the Food and Drug Administration.

What prompted you to serve?
I had decided to go to medical school after completing my PhD training in microbiology and I needed funding to make that happen.  The military offered a competitive scholarship program that paid my tuition, books, supplies, and provided a stipend during my medical school years.  Since I was married with 3 kids, that was a big attraction.  So, the short answer is money BUT also the opportunity to serve was part of it.

What were some of the greatest challenges you faced?
Adapting to a military lifestyle was at least different, if not a challenge.  As much for my wife and family as for me.  We moved three times which comes with its own challenges. I had to learn the Army way and adapt to their paperwork.

What was the most rewarding experience?
Nearly everyday was rewarding in its own way.  It was rewarding to work with enlisted folks who I served with and who came to me for care.  It was rewarding to develop different “countermeasures” for threats our soldiers might face in the field.  It was rewarding to work with some brilliant scientists on unique challenges and learn from them and be able to call them mentors and then colleagues.  It was rewarding to be part of a select team to start to expose the Soviet illegal biological weapons program.

How did serving affect your family? Did they find their part of service rewarding?
Service in the Army brought us closer and made us more reliant on one another as we adapted to new homes, schools, neighbors, and made new friends.  I will say that Army “protocol” for dress, wives, and gatherings seemed a bit dated, but wherever you go there’s written or unwritten protocol.  The pay wasn’t great but the benefits of various on-post services helped make up for that.

What opportunities or advantages or disadvantages did you have after reentering civilian life?
When I left active duty in 1992 there were no opportunities, advantages, or disadvantages upon reentering civilian life as a “veteran”.  I did miss the discipline of physical training that even docs had to conform to while on active duty.

What is your advice to someone thinking about serving their country?
As with any job, it should be entered with your eyes wide open, know what you’re getting into.  Talking to folks who have been there and done that is a must.  The Army offered me a great post-graduate education that has served me well in civilian life.  I served mostly in peacetime and was stationed in the US, apart from some missions overseas, so I can’t speak to experiences in battle.  Expect bureaucratic paperwork, “hurry up and wait”, and the need to learn the systems and how to watch out for and take care of your own needs.  I truly enjoyed working with my peers and with enlisted service men and women.  Lastly, remember that while a salute is required by rules, respect must be earned.

ARMY WIFE AND NURSE JUDITH SANDERS
I “served” in two ways.  First, as the wife of an Army physician during training and assignments in Texas and Maryland.  Second, I was recruited and hired as a civilian nurse at the US Army Medical Institute of Infections Diseases in Frederick, MD and served in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

What were/are your duties?
As a military wife besides the general duties of a spouse and mother of three, I did have to manage the military systems and services.  As a nurse at USAMRIID I was in charge of what was called the Special Immunizations Program that made sure the civilian and military folks working in the laboratories at Ft. Detrick had the proper screening for their work in the “hot suites” , received the proper vaccines at the right times, and had proper follow up for any questions or reactions they had to the vaccines.

What did you like most about serving?
I truly enjoyed helping protect our troops and employees at RIID. I worked elbow to elbow with military service members and especially enjoyed knowing, mentoring, and helping the enlisted folks assigned to me.  I had to apply all of my people skills, dealing with the variety of folks who needed my care and advice about the vaccines (some licensed, some “experimental”) I was administering.  I also enjoyed learning about the FDA systems for reporting reactions.

As for my job as a spouse, I’m still enjoying that, now in year 33.  

What prompted you to serve?
My husband was assigned to Ft. Detrick and it was a chance to work near him and occasionally with him.

What were some of the greatest challenges you faced?
I saw my job as full of opportunity rather than challenges to make the system I worked with more efficient and effective.  If there was a challenge it was in dealing with more senior folks who knew less about my job than I did.  Fortunately, this didn’t happen too often, and I always managed to make my point effectively.

What was the most rewarding experience?
In my nursing job the most rewarding experience was interacting with and mentoring the civilians and enlisted folks who worked for me.

What was the training and prep for your job?
I trained as a nurse, receiving my RN from Somerset Community College in NJ and my BSN from Graceland University in Lamoni Iowa.  When I took the job at RIID I had 7 years of experience in hospital nursing.

How did serving affect your family? Did they find their part of service rewarding?
As I noted earlier, it was great to work near/with my husband although our dinner conversations at home might have been a bit too much about work for our kids.  I say that because none of them decided to go into medicine or the military. Our youngest son seemed more affected by our moving. It was great to stay in one place (Ft. Detrick) through out his high school years. He thinks and now makes Maryland his home.

What is your advice to someone thinking about serving their country?
I’ve seen how hard our folks in the military work and the great potential for training in specialties that can be useful as civilians.  I’d say to folks that joining the military is not for everyone.  It’s first a job, a very important one in defending our country, but like any job if you’re serious and take the chance to learn you will reap great benefits in growing your character and being prepared for civilian jobs.  Having worked at a facility that was not “front line” it’s important for folks to understand that jobs in support of our front line troops are very important and any service approached with dedication and understanding of the value of your service will be rewarding.

THANK YOU LT COLONEL FRANK MALINOWSKI AND JUDITH SANDERS FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Check out Judith Sander's new book .....
IN HIS STEAD by Judith Sanders

The cause of war may have changed since America’s conception but the loss of a child remains unbearable. In His Stead, A Father’s War is a tale of redemption and the power of a father’s love.

Retired Army Ranger Thomas Lane once burned for the taste of gunpowder and the thrill of the battle. But as he struggles to cope with his own PTSD and the death of his eldest son, killed by an IED in Afghanistan, Lane learns that the beast called war demands more.

Now the National Guard is calling on Lane’s youngest son to serve. Consumed with sorrow, Lane knows he will do anything to save his child—even if it means going in his place, a pursuit unheard of since the Civil War when slaves were sent in place of their masters.

This is the tale of Thomas’ internal and external conflict as he battle the United States Army, its JAG corps, a vengeful officer, the very son he is desperate to save, and his own wife, who has the Solomon like choice to risk her husband or another son. Filled with both tense action and heartbreaking tenderness, In His Stead captures the essence of family life in wartime—the good, the bad, and the hopeful—as it exposes what it means to be a father and a man.
Available on AMAZON

CN SALUTES MEMORIAL DAY SALUTING A FAMILY WHO SERVES ...HERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

E-4 SPECIALIST ARTHUR G. NELSON

Today I remember and honor my late father E-4 56-229 Specialist Arthur G. Nelson Jr. who severed in the United States Army from 1954-1962.  Nelson was drafted did his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. His MOS was Light Weight Vehicle Mechanic, he also did auto body on the side. After Basic he served active duty in Germany and was stationed at Army Base Garrison Stuttgart from 1954-1956. Nelson served in the reserves until 1962.

THANK YOU DAD FOR YOUR SERVICE!

LIEUTENANT COLONEL NATHAN NELSON

I am proud to salute my brother Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Nelson. Following our father's example, he chose to serve in both the Army and honorable man of family.

Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Nelson has been serving in the Army for nearly 29 years. LTC Nelson, a Civil Affairs officer with the US Army Reserve, has enjoyed his military career which has taken all over the United States and into Iraq as a Civil Affairs Team Leader liaison to the State Department.  He has a BA in Biology, ADN in Nursing, and a MA in American History. His civilian occupation is a Peri/Intra-Operative Registered Nurse. LTC Nelson’s present military duty is Mobilization Officer, G39, USACAPOC(A), Fort Bragg, NC.

          Then PVT Nelson completed basic training at Fort Jackson and then completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Eustis in 1985. In 1897 then SPC Nelson attended Montana Military Academy, PLDC. In 1988 he attended Montana State University, ROTC and trained in Ranger Small Unit Tactics and continued on to commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1991. LTC Nelson’s training as a commissioned officer took him throughout the United States attending various courses at Fort Knox, Gowen Field, Fort Harrison, Schofield Barracks, Fort Polk, Fort Bragg, Fort Dix, Fort Lewis, Fort Eustis, Fort Monroe, and Naval Postgraduate School to include Armor Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advance Course, RC Tank Commanders Course, Bradley New Equipment Transition Course, Mobilization Deployment Planning Course, Security Manager Course, Intermediate Level Education, Psychological Operations Qualification Course, Civil Affairs Qualification Course, Foreign Service Institute Iraq Orientation Course, Unit Mobilization Planning Course, Combat Lifesaving Course, and Stability, Security, and Development in Complex Operations Course.

          The last few years Nelson’s duties and stations have been S-3 Operations and Security Officer, 652nd Area Support Group FWD ABN, at Fort Bragg, NC; G-3 PSYOP Plans Officer, at Fort Bragg, NC; Assistant Professor of Military Science, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA;  G-39 Plans Officer, USACAPOC(A), Fort Bragg, NC; CLT Team Leader, PRT Muthanna, Iraq and now G-39 Mobilization Officer, USACAPOC(A), Fort Bragg, NC.

          LTC Nelson’s service medals are: Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,  Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver hourglass and M device with numeral two, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, and Army Superior Unit Award.

What did you like most about serving?
Initially the war-fighting skills. I enjoyed flying in helicopters and firing the different weapon systems. I now enjoy working with other professionals toward a common goal. It has also provided an income for my family. 

What do you like least about serving?
That active duty people don’t really understand what capabilities reserve soldiers offer and the complexity of working an entirely different job during the week and then perform military duty during a weekend or two week training period.

What is your advice to those who are thinking of serving?
Service is to be a great honor to your State and the Republic of the United States of America as a whole. If selected you are charged with defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. Many politicians today tell us that our Constitutional rights are not absolute and we do not need to worry about government intrusion into our lives. These are our domestic enemies who will first dismantle the 2nd Amendment and then the 1st Amendment. Do you see it happening? Then no power of the people can prevent the erosion of the US Constitution. I would ask them a question. What kind of country do you want to serve?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
ARMY VETERAN FIRST LIEUTENANT JOANNE NELSON

I am proud to salute my sister-in-law, wife of LTC Nathan Nelson, First Lieutenant Joanne Nelson. After service 15 years in the US Army Reserve, she now serves as an Army wife.

Tell us about your service?
I was a member of the US Army Reserve for 15 years. I was enlisted for the first 11 years and an officer for the last 4. My branch was Quartermaster, now known as Logistics, (provide and coordinate supplies). I joined the military for the adventure. I think the most interesting aspect of my military training is that I graduated from basic training exactly 1 year from the day I started. I enlisted when I was a junior in high school and attended basic training that summer. Unfortunately, I had an emergency appendectomy surgery that spring and could not start basic training until July 19 (1984). Because I had started so late in the summer, I was only able to complete 5 weeks of basic training before being sent back home to finish my senior year of high school. After graduation from high school, I returned to basic training and joined a cycle in their 5th week. Amazingly, we graduated on July 19, 1985.

During my 15 years in the military, I served in several Reserve units throughout the US, to include Florida, Washington state, and Montana. In 1990, I deployed to South West Asia in support of Operation Desert Storm. During that deployment, I did not have any children or responsibilities, so I truly enjoyed the adventure of it all.

However, nine years later when I was married and we decided to start a family, I realized it was time to get out of the military. I never wanted to leave my children due to a deployment. I loved my career in the military and had the adventure of a lifetime, but now all of my adventures include raising 3 young boys to be Godly men.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! CW2, 153D Pilot in Command, Black hawk Pilot Trailson Moore

I am honored and proud to salute my son-in-law, Black Hawk Pilot CW2 Trailson Moore. Moore is a Black Hawk Pilot CW2, MOS 153 Delta UH 60 serving the Army at Camp Zama, Japan. His duties are to fly the UH-60 helicopter, and be tactically and technically proficient.
More of his story HERE.




THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!



Petty Officer 2nd Class Wayne Howie

I am proud to salute my uncle, former Petty Officer 2nd Class Wayne Howie. Howie served in the early days of the Navy’s Nuclear Submarines.

Howie joined the Navy at 21 years old on January 28, 1962- January 24, 1968. He
originally went to college, but after two years he decided to join the Navy. He was an ET-2 (Electronic Technician) in the U.S. Navy aboard diesel and nuclear Submarines.

More of his story HERE.


THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
West Point Cadette Brennan Olsen

I am proud to salute my nephew Brennan Olsen who was accepted into West Point. Olsen is an example of what can be achieved when you set the bar high. Olsen's story is an inspiration to young people everywhere as he embarks on his journey, making the transition from ideal candidate to promising lieutenant.

More on his story HERE.





THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TO SERVE!
Army Wife Kayla Moore

I am proud to salute my daughter Kayla Moore, married to Black Hawk Pilot Trailson Moore. More of her story HERE.

What is your advice to other Army wives? (Does it help to join organizations on base and which ones are you involved in?)
Yes, I do think it helps to join organizations. Whether it's something on or off base.  It can be a good way to meet and get to know people, and also keep you busy when your husband is gone.  I have been involved with MOPS(mothers of preschoolers) which is an off base group.  As for on base, I've been a part of PWOC, Protestant Women of The Chapel and FRG, Family Readiness Group.



THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

CN SALUTES NEW WEST POINT CADETTE BRENNAN OLSEN

I am proud to salute my nephew Brennan Olsen who was accepted into West Point. Olsen is an example of what can be achieved when you set the bar high. Olsen's story is an inspiration to young people everywhere as he embarks on his journey, making the transition from ideal candidate to promising lieutenant.

Why Did You Choose WEST POINT?
I chose West Point because it is an amazing opportunity to give back to our country, to serve, lead, and see the world. I also knew it was one of the premiere schools in the U.S. which added to my interest even more, along with the military aspect. West Point will be a great place for me to develop my skills to become a leader of character, a scholar, and a man of integrity.

What Did It Take To Get Into WEST POINT?
I have been preparing for West Point pretty much all my life. As a young boy I had a knack for finding the military booths at the fairs and rodeos. I had always wanted to serve and was fascinated with the U.S. military. Throughout my whole school career I strived for the best grades I could get, which happened to be all A’s, a 4.0 GPA. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I learned of West Point, and luckily I already had the mind set to strive for the best and had the grades and sports already, I just had to keep them up. In preparing for West Point and just enjoying high school, I participated in numerous sports such as football, cross-country, track, and wrestling, some even as team captain. In school I kept my GPA at a 4.0 and aspired for the harder classes such as AP, or advanced placement, and honors classes such as physics or medical opportunities. Preparing for the SAT and ACT and performing well on those was an important part of the process in obtaining admission, as those scores will have quite a bit of influence. Aside from sports and school, it was important to get involved in the community. Things such as painting the community center with my church, participating in beach clean-up, blood drives, and assisting with the Colton Mat Club were some of the community service opportunities I took part in. All these three things come together to complete the ideal profile of a West Point candidate. In the sense of recommendations, it is a long process. Numerous letters of recommendation are needed from teachers to be sent to the state’s senators and one’s own representative as well as the vice president, along with information about one’s self and a letter requesting nomination.

What Were Some Of The Challenges You Faced Along The Way?
Along the way I faced a few challenges, such as difficult classes, the ACT and SAT, my own personal injuries in sports, and an overwhelming amount of paperwork. I would say the best way to avoid these challenges, or at least reduce the difficulty of these challenges, would be to study and exercise. For the tests study in advance and for the physical test, practice. The basketball throw in the CFA, candidate fitness assessment, was possibly the most difficult portion of the test. I also struggled with my pull-ups.

What Will Your MOS (Military Operations Specialty)  and Rank Be?
My MOS has not been chosen yet, as we as a class progress through the academy we will put in a ranked system. When the end of our schooling career comes to an end we will be able to choose our MOS depending on class rank. I myself want to operate an apache or black hawk helicopter. At graduation my rank will be Second Lieutenant.

How Long Will You Serve In The Army After WEST POINT?
After West Point is a required five years active duty and three years reserve.

What Prompted You To Serve?
For me, serving is something I have wanted to do since I was quite young. As a young boy I was fascinated by the history of World War II and all things military. I have always felt that serving through the military would allow me to give back to my country, to protect the ones I love, and provide others with the opportunity to have a great life.

What Advice Do You Have For Someone Considering To Serve?
For someone who is considering serving, I would tell them to do it if that’s what their heart is telling them. You can’t serve because someone else wants you to or doesn’t want you to; it has to be all your decision. Only you can decide for yourself what is right. If you do choose to serve, give it your all, put yourself completely, into everything; academics, sports, and community. Never give up and you will get to where you want to be.


THANK YOU BRENNAN OLSEN FOR CHOOSING TO SERVE!

SPECIALIST-5 (E-5) Ronald Webb

Specialist E-5 Ronald Webb    Army Specialist E-5 Ronald Webb served his country on many fronts often working closely with the Navy.  Webb’s MOS was Clerical and Administration.  This particular MOS would give him opportunities to witness history in ways other soldiers couldn’t.
Webb first served in US Army Alaska in the office of Commanding General in a clerical administrative nature.  He then served in Virginia at Fort Myers with JAG (Judge Advocate General Corps) where his duties were legal in nature. At the Pentagon Webb served in the Office of Commanding General US Army, with top security clearance. In Vietnam he was Congressional Investigation, Classified. Later in Vietnam he was J-3 MAC Intelligence attached to the Navy and also served as Adviser/Administrator to Vietnamese engineers.  Webb received the Army Commendation Medal given by Navy Commander with General Westmoreland's signature and other standard service ribbons for Vietnam.


What was the training and prep for your MOS?
Clerical Administrative school U.S. Army
Continuing education:  Alaska State University Business College in Washington, D.C.  University of Maryland

What did you like most about serving?
Camaraderie with fellow soldiers, knowing, we're in Vietnam together.


What prompted you to serve?   
I come from a small town (economics, played a part), where blue collar patriotism flourishes.  In plain spoken words:  Red, white, and blue.

What was some of the greatest challenges you faced?
Culture and language barriers in Vietnam.

What was the most rewarding experience?
I gained a perspective of how the world views an "ugly American," and at times understand their views. How freedom endures, and the fact that it is our obligation as a "free" nation to help others in need, is, and should remain, our commitment.

How did serving affect your family?  Did they find their part of service rewarding?
Actually, it accelerated a pending divorce (sad to say) that looking back was inevitable. Grandfather was in WWI, Father was also in service.  Brother was serving in Europe with U.S. Army.  Extended family took pride in my service. However, when returning to college (you know) the problems we faced as a Vietnam Veteran in college at that time in history.  (No respect for us).

What was your opportunities as a veteran?
G.I. Bill where I earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Science. I never would have been able to do that without the GI Bill. I then went on to become an instructor for HazMat Safety.

Today, Web has written a couple of poetry books, Treasure Chest of Poems and Treasurer Chest of Poems 2. Webb recently began working on his first novel.

THANK YOU SPECIALIST E-5 RONALD WEBB FOR YOUR SERVICE!

CN SALUTES E-4 SPECIALIST KIMBERLY PELKEY (BLAKELEY) & E-4 SPECIALIST BRADLEY BLAKELEY

Both in Greatfalls, Mt. back from Iraq
E-4 Specialist Kimberly Pelkey (Blakeley) and E-4 Specialist Bradley Blakeley joined the Army starting out on different paths and from different areas those paths would ultimately cross in Iraq.

Pelkey wanted to be in the Marines. She wanted to be airborne, but the Marines only allowed men in the airborne program because it was considered a combat role and her eye sight was bad so she failed the Marine’s physical. That is when she was approached by the Army. The Army did let women into their airborne program so Pelkey signed up.  Her Army contract had her in boot camp, them AIT for 77 Foxtrot, then jump school. By the time jump school came around, Pelkey had troubles with her knees and then embraced her MOS at 77 Foxtrot, fuel supply. 

What was your training for your MOS and what was your job?
Boot camp was at Fort Jackson and AIT school (Advanced Individual Training) was at Fort Lee, Virginia. PVOC (Petroleum Vehicle Operator's Course) training was in Missouri. I learned to operate fuel vehicles and big tankers.

Was your job dangerous?
We got to the war just after Jessica Lynch was rescued. We watched that on the news just before we deployed from Fort Lewis. We knew we would be stepping into harm’s way yet on the other hand we had no idea what to expect. I never fired my weapon and I was personally not on the receiving end of small arms fire, however we were taking fueling trucks and tanks on roads where IUDs and roadside bombs were everywhere. We would convoy fuel to smaller camps and vehicles outside of camps.

The camps were rough in the beginning of the war. The tents didn’t have floors and so you were literally living in a sand pit. There were no latrines either in the first camps. We would cut barrels in half and use those then burn it.

The camps were vulnerable to mortar fire and came under fire on several occasions and by the grace of God we didn’t have any injuries or deaths. We did have a RPG fired through our concrete barrier while I was on guard duty one early morning, but the mortars were the scariest.  

What prompted you to serve?
I always wanted to be in the military.  I remember hearing  that song… “All that you can be” as a preschool age child.

What were some of the greatest challenges you faced?
Freedom at 19, I had a lot of growing up to do. The majority of the time I was under a chain of command, but when I did have personal time, making the right choices. Also you have to learn to get along with other people from different areas and other walks of life.

What was the most rewarding experience?
I enjoyed the military and I liked being part of a team. I also liked experiencing every area of the Army in my eight and half years; Active duty, inactive duty, active reserve and then back to active duty. I enjoyed being on post and deployments.

I also met Jesus during the deployment, while we were in Kuwait, waiting to convey up, into Iraq. I was always searching for happiness in the next adventure. I wasn’t able to live in the moment. I remembered thinking, is this it? Is this all there is? When I met Jesus I finally found love and peace.

How did serving affect your family?
My parents had two children in Iraq at that time, so I imagine they were nervous. My siblings were proud of me. My first husband and I met in the Army when I first enlisted. We married and had two children. When we divorced I was far away from my family and didn’t have a circle of support. I also needed to make extra money and the Army was already something I knew how to do so I went active reserve then got called up after 9-11. That meant I also had an ex-husband back home with two small children. I was gone for fifteen months and that separation was extremely difficult.

When soldiers have to leave their families behind, it is always difficult. I was a solider before my husband or children came along. Being in the military is something I am really proud of. Whenever I step back onto a base, I really miss that. On the other side of it, I hope I am not in a situation where I get separated from my family again, but I was proud to do my part when I was called upon.

When you choose to serve your country, whatever your reasoning, you just do it! You raise your right hand and you swear to God that you’ll defend your country and when you are called upon it is not on your terms. You can’t suddenly say, “Oh this isn’t what I was expecting…”

What were the advantages to serving?
There is a difference between going to college for four years or enlisting for active duty service, not to mention going on deployment to an overseas conflict. It teaches you how to deal with people and prepares you for life in a different way. It’s never about what you think is best for yourself or what you want. You are a willing servant.

What are the disadvantages?
When I came home, after a long pity party, I learned that trauma is trauma. When I came back I was super hyper vigilant and felt I was alone in my struggle to adjust to motherhood as a single person with a lot of anger from the deep pain I experienced. I wasn’t in combat, I didn’t kill anybody, and I didn’t lose a limb, but I was a divorced 24 year old female with two very young children living in fear of knowing I might not come home to them. For me the trauma was separation and not knowing if I would come home and the guilt that came from that. The bottom line is no matter what your experience in deployment, when you come back to civilian life or station, you still have to process that, because trauma is trauma.  

Everything happens for a reason. God is always good! I found my salvation while serving America in a war zone and I met my second husband at that time. I discovered there is a greater purpose and it’s not about me…It’s so much bigger than that!


Kim and local children in Al-Hilah, S. of Bagdad Multi National Camp Brad in front of concrete/sandbagged bunker Kim at Ancient Babylon E-4 SP Blakeley with a sand spider in Iraq  E-4 Specialist Bradley Blakeley was with the United States Army Reserves 1996-2004. He was 77F now 77A Fuel Supply Specialist. Fuel storage and distribution including operating fuel vehicles, 969 tankers and TPU (Tank and pump unit) as well as the typical duties of a soldier.

What was your training for your MOS?
Eight weeks in Fort Lee, Virginia with lots of classroom work to learn about Hazmat and handling hazardous materials. We also studied fuel operations from storage, to pipelines, to railroad operations, to sling loading, fuel pumps, measuring fuel storage and recirculating fuel. This was mostly for JPS fuel.

What did you like most about serving?
I liked being part of a well-trained team that was directly serving our country. I loved wearing the uniform.

What prompted you to serve?
I always wanted to be in the Army. I actually went to basic training my junior year of High School and then right after my senior year I went to AIT for my MOS training.

What were the biggest challenges you faced?
Basic training was tough, but not too much of a challenge. However, my deployment to Iraq was surely the greatest challenge during my enlistment. Overcoming what the deployment brought on a day to day and surviving it.

What was the most rewarding experience?
Serving overseas in a conflict and coming home to a grateful nation.

How did serving affect your family?
My mamma was worried a lot, but she was proud to be the mother of a soldier.

What advantages did you face re-entering civilian life?
I felt as though employers would look favorably on hiring a combat veteran. It taught me how to overcome adversities and challenges. You can persevere through more than you think you can.

What disadvantages did you face re-entering civilian life?
It was difficult for a period of time. I was used to a military setting and when I came home there was no order.

What is your advice to someone who is thinking of serving their country?
I would highly encourage them. Choose your MOS carefully. It is a very rewarding experience. Personally there is nothing like putting on a uniform and serving your country! Join the Air Force!

E-4 Specialist Kim Pelkey and E-4 Special Brad Blakeley met at Fort Lewis just before a deployment that took them into Iraq to serve on the same fuel team. After the deployment was over they continued to keep in touch and today are married and share a blended family.

THANK YOU SPECIALIST E-4 KIM PELKEY BLAKELEY AND SPECIALIST E-4 BRAD BLAKELEY FOR YOUR SERVICE!

CN SALUTES Veterans First Class Petty Officer Ronald Warnick Second Class Petty Officer Wayne Howie

2nd Class Petty Officer Wayne Howie It is my great privilege to talk with my uncle, former Petty Officer 2nd Class Wayne Howie and First Class Petty Officer Ronald Warnick. They served together in the early days of the Navy’s Nuclear Submarines.

Howie joined the Navy at 21 years old on January 28, 1962- January 24, 1968. He
originally went to college, but after two years he decided to join the Navy. He was an ET-2 (Electronic Technician) in the U.S. Navy aboard diesel and nuclear Submarines.

What was your training for your MOS?
I went to boot camp in San Diego, California. While there I also attended ICA School, (Interior Communications A school). While in ICA School some months after joining the navy months I was pulled out of class by my Commanding Officer to learn that my parents were concerned because I had not written or called home. My parents had notified the Red Cross and the Red Cross had notified the Navy. I assured my CO I would write them a letter later. He told me I would write them before leaving his office and handed me a pen and paper.
    After ICA training I went to a submarine training school on the East Coast. After completing submarine training in New London Connecticut I was assigned to The Razorback SS 394, an old diesel submarine, for six months of additional training and qualification. While aboard the Razorback I was extended a couple of months to complete a WEST PAC patrol in the South Pacific Ocean.
    I was then assigned to Nuclear Power School on the West Coast near San Francisco, California. That is where I learned the majority of my engineering skills and the science behind it. They poured a lot of information into six months.
     After getting married in 1964 I was stationed in South Carolina and served on The James Madison SSBN 627 where Ron Warnick and I met.

What did you like most about serving?
Some of the people I met were fantastic. Ron Warnick became a lifelong friend, and now that we live in the same area, we get together with our wives for dinner every Friday. In addition to good friends, the training I received served me well throughout my civilian working career.
    My most exhilarating experience came at Sea. It was viewing the awesome power of the ocean. We were almost to Japan and when we hit a typhoon with waves up to 70 feet high. Our sail was 50 feet above the water level when on the surface. On a submerged nuclear submarine you can ride out any storm, but we were in a diesel sub, The Razorback, and it had to surface about every twelve hours or come to snorkel depth which is about 50 feet below the water level. When coming back to the surface a submarine’s center of gravity is affected and has about the same stability as a rolling log. We were taking rolls of up to 70 degrees. Below deck everyone was sick and throwing up, so I volunteered to take top side watches with another crew member. We wore safety belts with “D” rings and were chained to the super structure so we couldn’t fall into the ocean. It was the middle of the night and a raging sea when I heard the officer of the deck, Lt. O’Brien, who looked like a bearded young Viking, singing. I asked him what he was singing and he sang it to me…
    “In Fourteen hundred and ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Divide the son of a bitch in two, and you’ve got the electrical watts per horse power…” I’ll never forget that!

What did you like the least?
What I liked the least about the Navy was the same thing that many others loved. They had you for twenty four seven and told you what to do and when to do it. It was very structured. Those who loved structure went on to have long careers in the Navy. I was ready to be out and spend time with my wife.


First Class Petty Officer Ronald Warnick served in the United States Navy from May 11, 1960, through December 11, 1968. First Class Petty Officer Warnick attained the rate of ET1(SS), Electronics Technician First Class (Submarine Qualified) in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program.

What was your training for your Rate?
I enlisted at Baltimore as a Nuclear Power Program recruit and was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center for basic training (boot camp) for eleven weeks. During this time I applied for the security clearance that was required for admittance into the Nuclear Power Program.  Because my test scores were high and I did well in my interviews, I was classified as an ET Striker and went to school at Great Lakes, six weeks in E&EP school and then on to ET“A” School.  ET was one of the rates eligible for the Nuclear Power Program.  Also during this time I received my security clearance.
    Next I received orders to report to the Navy’s Submarine School at New London-Groton, Connecticut. After graduation from submarine school I got orders to report to USS Entemedor, a World War II Vintage Submarine based at New London and began my career as a submarine sailor.
    After about six months on Entemedor, I was transferred to the Navy’s Nuclear Power School at the submarine base for six months of classroom training, followed by six months of “hands-on” training at the submarine Proto Type in Idaho.  In Nuclear Power School I did well enough to be allowed to choose the location for my Proto Type training. I chose Idaho for two reasons: (1) it was farther away from home than I’d ever been and (2) I wanted to try to get into the Pacific Fleet and felt the closer I was to the Pacific, maybe the Navy would assign me there.
     Toward the end of nuclear power training we had to submit our preferences for our next duty station.  I asked for a Fast Attack Nuclear Sub out of Pearl Harbor.  I got orders to a Polaris Sub (USS James Madison) under construction in Newport News, Virginia. I went through construction, testing, and commissioning and then went out to sea. After commissioning, I served on the Madison for 2½ years.
     Next I was assigned to the USS Lapon, a Fast Attack Sub under construction in Newport News, Virginia.  Our Captain was Charles M. Mack (known as “Whitey”).  Captain Mack made a name for himself and there is a whole chapter on him in the book “Blind Man’s Bluff”.  I served on Lapon until my discharge from the Navy.  During that time the crew received a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
     I liked the Navy very much, it was hard to decide to stay or go.  If I shipped over, it would put me over the half way mark (toward retirement).  I decided to leave the Navy and go back to college.

What did you like most about the Navy?
I found the challenges of nuclear power, operating and maintaining the equipment, and standing watches, to be interesting.  It was a lot of responsibility and pressure but I was up to it and I gave it my best.
Also I met a lot of good sailors, many of whom have remained friends ever since.  One of those is Wayne Howie. 

What prompted you to serve?
I had an Uncle in the Navy and an Uncle in the Army. I thought a lot about the Navy and decided if I ever went into the Military, it would be the Navy.

What did you like the least about the Navy?
I didn’t particularly like some of the people with whom I served. 

What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of serving?
Keep your nose clean! You are in a situation where you don’t have the authority to do whatever you want. Someone higher up says do this or do that. You do it! You get along much better that way. Learn your job and do the best you can. Don’t try to get out of it or leave it for someone else to do and you’ll have a smoother way of it. You make your own bed both literally and figuratively. Usually those who did not like the Navy caused their own problems.

As a Veteran what have been some of the benefits?
I went to University of Wyoming on the GI Bill which allowed me to complete my degree. An added benefit was a VA loan when we purchased our first home.


THANK YOU First Class Petty Officer Ronald Warnick  and  Second Class Petty Officer Wayne Howie for your service!

CN SALUTES Veterans First Class Petty Officer Ronald Warnick Second Class Petty Officer Wayne Howie

2nd Class Petty Officer Wayne Howie It is my great privilege to talk with my uncle, former Petty Officer 2nd Class Wayne Howie and First Class Petty Officer Ronald Warnick. They served together in the early days of the Navy’s Nuclear Submarines.

Howie joined the Navy at 21 years old on January 28, 1962- January 24, 1968. He
originally went to college, but after two years he decided to join the Navy. He was an ET-2 (Electronic Technician) in the U.S. Navy aboard diesel and nuclear Submarines.

What was your training for your MOS?
I went to boot camp in San Diego, California. While there I also attended ICA School, (Interior Communications A school). While in ICA School some months after joining the navy months I was pulled out of class by my Commanding Officer to learn that my parents were concerned because I had not written or called home. My parents had notified the Red Cross and the Red Cross had notified the Navy. I assured my CO I would write them a letter later. He told me I would write them before leaving his office and handed me a pen and paper.
    After ICA training I went to a submarine training school on the East Coast. After completing submarine training in New London Connecticut I was assigned to The Razorback SS 394, an old diesel submarine, for six months of additional training and qualification. While aboard the Razorback I was extended a couple of months to complete a WEST PAC patrol in the South Pacific Ocean.
    I was then assigned to Nuclear Power School on the West Coast near San Francisco, California. That is where I learned the majority of my engineering skills and the science behind it. They poured a lot of information into six months.
     After getting married in 1964 I was stationed in South Carolina and served on The James Madison SSBN 627 where Ron Warnick and I met.

What did you like most about serving?
Some of the people I met were fantastic. Ron Warnick became a lifelong friend, and now that we live in the same area, we get together with our wives for dinner every Friday. In addition to good friends, the training I received served me well throughout my civilian working career.
    My most exhilarating experience came at Sea. It was viewing the awesome power of the ocean. We were almost to Japan and when we hit a typhoon with waves up to 70 feet high. Our sail was 50 feet above the water level when on the surface. On a submerged nuclear submarine you can ride out any storm, but we were in a diesel sub, The Razorback, and it had to surface about every twelve hours or come to snorkel depth which is about 50 feet below the water level. When coming back to the surface a submarine’s center of gravity is affected and has about the same stability as a rolling log. We were taking rolls of up to 70 degrees. Below deck everyone was sick and throwing up, so I volunteered to take top side watches with another crew member. We wore safety belts with “D” rings and were chained to the super structure so we couldn’t fall into the ocean. It was the middle of the night and a raging sea when I heard the officer of the deck, Lt. O’Brien, who looked like a bearded young Viking, singing. I asked him what he was singing and he sang it to me…
    “In Fourteen hundred and ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Divide the son of a bitch in two, and you’ve got the electrical watts per horse power…” I’ll never forget that!

What did you like the least?
What I liked the least about the Navy was the same thing that many others loved. They had you for twenty four seven and told you what to do and when to do it. It was very structured. Those who loved structure went on to have long careers in the Navy. I was ready to be out and spend time with my wife.


First Class Petty Officer Ronald Warnick served in the United States Navy from May 11, 1960, through December 11, 1968. First Class Petty Officer Warnick attained the rate of ET1(SS), Electronics Technician First Class (Submarine Qualified) in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program.

What was your training for your Rate?
I enlisted at Baltimore as a Nuclear Power Program recruit and was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center for basic training (boot camp) for eleven weeks. During this time I applied for the security clearance that was required for admittance into the Nuclear Power Program.  Because my test scores were high and I did well in my interviews, I was classified as an ET Striker and went to school at Great Lakes, six weeks in E&EP school and then on to ET“A” School.  ET was one of the rates eligible for the Nuclear Power Program.  Also during this time I received my security clearance.
    Next I received orders to report to the Navy’s Submarine School at New London-Groton, Connecticut. After graduation from submarine school I got orders to report to USS Entemedor, a World War II Vintage Submarine based at New London and began my career as a submarine sailor.
    After about six months on Entemedor, I was transferred to the Navy’s Nuclear Power School at the submarine base for six months of classroom training, followed by six months of “hands-on” training at the submarine Proto Type in Idaho.  In Nuclear Power School I did well enough to be allowed to choose the location for my Proto Type training. I chose Idaho for two reasons: (1) it was farther away from home than I’d ever been and (2) I wanted to try to get into the Pacific Fleet and felt the closer I was to the Pacific, maybe the Navy would assign me there.
     Toward the end of nuclear power training we had to submit our preferences for our next duty station.  I asked for a Fast Attack Nuclear Sub out of Pearl Harbor.  I got orders to a Polaris Sub (USS James Madison) under construction in Newport News, Virginia. I went through construction, testing, and commissioning and then went out to sea. After commissioning, I served on the Madison for 2½ years.
     Next I was assigned to the USS Lapon, a Fast Attack Sub under construction in Newport News, Virginia.  Our Captain was Charles M. Mack (known as “Whitey”).  Captain Mack made a name for himself and there is a whole chapter on him in the book “Blind Man’s Bluff”.  I served on Lapon until my discharge from the Navy.  During that time the crew received a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
     I liked the Navy very much, it was hard to decide to stay or go.  If I shipped over, it would put me over the half way mark (toward retirement).  I decided to leave the Navy and go back to college.

What did you like most about the Navy?
I found the challenges of nuclear power, operating and maintaining the equipment, and standing watches, to be interesting.  It was a lot of responsibility and pressure but I was up to it and I gave it my best.
Also I met a lot of good sailors, many of whom have remained friends ever since.  One of those is Wayne Howie. 

What prompted you to serve?
I had an Uncle in the Navy and an Uncle in the Army. I thought a lot about the Navy and decided if I ever went into the Military, it would be the Navy.

What did you like the least about the Navy?
I didn’t particularly like some of the people with whom I served. 

What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of serving?
Keep your nose clean! You are in a situation where you don’t have the authority to do whatever you want. Someone higher up says do this or do that. You do it! You get along much better that way. Learn your job and do the best you can. Don’t try to get out of it or leave it for someone else to do and you’ll have a smoother way of it. You make your own bed both literally and figuratively. Usually those who did not like the Navy caused their own problems.

As a Veteran what have been some of the benefits?
I went to University of Wyoming on the GI Bill which allowed me to complete my degree. An added benefit was a VA loan when we purchased our first home.


THANK YOU First Class Petty Officer Ronald Warnick  and  Second Class Petty Officer Wayne Howie for your service!

CN SALUTES WOMEN IN THE ARMY

From the American Revolutionary War to the present recent overseas contingency operations, women have served a vital role in the U.S. Army. Ever since Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley ("Molly Pitcher") replaced her husband when he collapsed at his cannon, women have continually proven that the narrow stereotype, limiting their choice of occupation, was wrong. As women expanded into different roles in the U.S. Army, it was clear that the heart of a warrior was not limited to one gender...
Read more @ Women in the US Army


THANKS TO WOMEN IN ALL BRANCHES OF THE MILITARY FOR YOUR SERVICE!