Why a book now?

A couple of years ago, I saw my first ship, the aircraft carrier Saratoga, in a movie called "Thirteen Days." It is a movie, perhaps the best ever made, about the Cuban Missile Crisis back in 1962. It immediately reminded me that I was there, in the central radio room, scared as hell. I couldn't let go of my thoughts about how I happened to be there at 18 years old. So, I started to reminisce. 

I wrote Navy Days for a number of good reasons. First, considering I recently turned 65 years old, I didn’t want to chance forgetting this most meaningful part of my life. Second, although my service was from 1961 to 1965, it is not an experience that gets old or outdated. The decision to join, boot camp, ships, the seven seas, nothing has really changed. The carriers are bigger and the planes are faster but Navy life is still the same. Finally, growing up as I did probably hasn't changed much for many kids either. 

  It was 1961 and I could have stayed and graduated High School but I was bored and knew that college was out of the question. In reality, I was dead-end by the time JFK inspired me to take responsibility and do something constructive. It took a lot of convincing but I got my father to sign the papers. At 17 years old, I was off to serve my country. Beginning then, I was on my own with my guidance and experience coming from the Navy, giving me character, confidence and an "anything’s possible" attitude.           

            By 1965 my tour of duty was coming to an end and the Navy wanted me to stay in. And for a while, I seriously thought about re-enlisting.  Hell they offered me guaranteed shore duty and $3,000, which was a lot back then, but it wasn’t meant to be. I already knew I was destined for something special. So with my honorable discharge in hand and help from the GI Bill, I was able to go to technical school and later some college.

            In 1966, within a year of my discharge, I landed my first “white collar” job. I took a chance by taking a part time position which could, but not guaranteed, become a full time permanent position.  Five years later, I left this fortune 500 company to begin my climb up the corporate ladder.

            After spending 35 years in telecommunications and technology, I ended up in my own business and was fortunate enough to sell it and retire early in 2001 at the age of 57. Looking back, having served in the Navy as a Radioman looked pretty damn good on my first resume.

          I would hope that my book would inspire anyone interested in joining the military, especially the Navy. I remember where I was back then as a disgruntled teen with no plan and my desire for change. I wish every American would, if possible, serve their country. It should be part of an early life plan, especially with the significant benefits available for those who serve. We all have reasons for why we do or not do things. I am blessed that I was encouraged by events in my life world events at the time, to make a decision that to this day has positively influenced my life.

            Thank all of you for reading my story. I can only hope my life experience provides encouragement for those thinking about serving our country and lights a fire where maybe a fire may be needed.

            God Bless our Military and the United States of America, truly the land of freedom and opportunity.