biography
I joined the Navy in June of 1968. After boot camp in San Diego (Troop 463), I attended Basic Electricity & Electronics School (2 months) and then Radio 'A' School for the next 6 months in San Diego.
My first duty station was Kodiak, Alaska from March 1969 to March 1970. From their I was deployed to Camp Tien Sha NSA Danang, RVN. During that time I received a special assignment to the USNS Upshur during the attempted repatriation of Viet Cong service members to North Vietnam. I was awarded numerous ribbons/medals, including the Naval Achievement Medal. I mustered out of the service on December 1, 1971.
I served in the Naval Reserves for a few years out of Denver, Colorado. I achieved the rank of an RM 1st Class during this time. During our 2-week cruise every summer, I served on the USS Denver, the USS St. Louis, and the USS (destroyer-name lost to memory).
I eventually joined the VFW (life member) becoming Commander of Post 7056 out of Kodiak, Alaska for 2 terms: 1994-1996. I'm also a long time member of American Legion Post #17, also out of Kodiak, Alaska. In addition, I'm a life member of the US Navy League, having served as President and charter member of the Juneau, Alaska post.
