My wife, Cathy, and I are volunteers aboard my old battleship, USS Missouri (BB-63). I am one of the Volunteer Supervisors. During 2008, I had the privilege of working with "Wounded Warriors" (Marines) back from Afghanistan/Iraq. A group of those warriors volunteered to come aboard and help in the repair and preservation of the ship.
I am frequently called upon to speak to groups visiting the Mighty Mo. I spoke to 57 newly appointed CPO's at the third CPO Legacy Academy held aboard the ship (2008). On 30 Aug 2011, I was guest speaker for the CPO Legacy Academy Class of 43 new CPO's. Command Master Chief of the Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific, Patricia M. Roebuck and 7 Senior Chiefs from local commands were also in attendance. I was asked to speak during the CPO Legacy Classes of 2010, 2011, two classes in 2012, and will be speaking with the two classes of 2013.
I was asked to be the Keynote Speaker at the Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony held aboard the battleship USS Missouri on 11/11/11. More than 250 people attended; including a dozen or so active duty Flag & General Officers. I heard one of the best renditions of our National Anthem, sung by a TSgt Laura Murdzia, USAF. I was completely surprised when, at the conclusion of the Flag ceremony performed by the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Old Glory Detail, the ceremonial Flag was presented to me. It was, to say the least, an awesome experience! Please see "Family New" section for some photos.
As a result of an article I submitted to AMVETS Magazine, the Commander of Post #1 in Honolulu, Hawaii contacted me. After a rather lengthy discussion, I was offered the position of Post Legislative Director and Editor of the Post's Newsletter. I agreed, with one proviso; I would be a volunteer.
Other Comments:
In 1970, I was personally selected by RADM Dean L. Axene to be his Writer and Administrative Assistant. I was later officially assigned the duties as his Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide. I was, at that time, the first and only Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide in the U.S. Navy and I was issued shoulder Aiguillettes signifying that I was a Personal Aide to a Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy.
I also served aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Operations Office (1957/59), a couple shore duty assignments, 10 years with NATO Commands (including NATO HQ Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium) and a tour of duty as a Naval Advisor in Vietnam (1966/67) with MACV/SOG.
I am a member of The Battleship Missouri Association and am a Plank Owner/Crewmember of the "Friends of the Mighty Mo." I am also a member of the USS Missouri Association Legacy Society. I am a member of the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) Association .
Best Friends My constant companions while at this duty station were: Claire Davignon, USA, Sharon Drake, USN, and Carmel Ryan, British RAF
Worst Moment The worst moment was the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. This event shocked the world.
Chain of Command Captain C.K. Ruiz was the Commander Striking Fleet Representative in Europe and I was his Admin Assistant. The Captain was required to travel about one third of the time and in his absence I was in sole charge of the office. I had to take action on all incoming correspondences and messages, originating replies where appropriate and making decisions as to which matters should be held for the Captain's action, should be handled by me, or which required the Captain's immediate attention. In the latter case I would be repoonsible for locating the Captain and passing the required information wherever he was located in Europe.
Other Memories Upon arrival at NATO HQ, I signed up for French Language Training. I continued this training in a second tour at NATO in Paris and in Brussels. With six years of French under my belt, I was able to mingle with French people. I used the language constantly during later visits to Europe (2006/2009). I was a member of the U.S. Swim/Dive Team at the International Swimming/Diving Meet. I was the oldest of the group, but managed to help the team in certain events. I took first place in the low and high diving events, first place in the breaststroke/butterfly breaststroke events, first place in the Individual Medlay event, and our team took first place in the Team Medlay Event (backstroke, breastroke, and freestyle. I was coach/player on the fast-pitch softball team for the U.S. Navy contingent in Paris (1962/63/64). I managed to drive my '55 Chevy through "Checkpoint Charlie" into East Berlin. I also took advantage of the ski-school in Garmish, Germany and later hit the slopes in Switzerland. At the end of my three-year tour, I was transferred to another NATO command at SACLANT in Norfolk, VA.