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 .
Universal Studios asked me to be a part of the "Specials Features" portion of the DVD "Battleship" on 4/28/12. The Features included an escorted walkabout the ship for the Director, Mr. Peter Berg.
During the tour, I was called up for a shooting with Peter asking me numerous questions about the ship and my experiences aboard the ship "back in the day" (Korea 1950).
While awaiting for my next appearance under the camera, my wife Cathy grabbed me by the arm and took me to meet someone special; someone who had an acting part in the film. Lo and behold, it was the Colonel who was recovering from a double amputation of both legs just above the knees. As it turned out, he was actually a Colonel in the USA and had lost his legs and was severely wounded his right arm due to an explosion of a roadside bomb. He now heads up the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program.
I have included some photos of that day's filming.