I am a retired Speech-Language Pathologist who worked with adult neurogenic patients in hospitals all over the DFW area for twenty-five years. I have also spent a lot of time in the classroom, both as a student and a teacher, and acquired a BA, MA, MS and the coursework for a PhD. Not much of this was the result of planning, but of just taking advantage of opportunities when they arose. Since my retirement I have written articles for The American Thinker (3), Human Events (1), Touchstone Magazine (1) and Speakfree.co (3).
1964, Recruit Training (San Diego, CA), 074
Boot Camp Photo Recruit Training (San Diego, CA) 1964, 074
Best Friends Leonard Hobbs, Ron Florell, John Pulliam, W K Fallis, Tim Maher, Larry Thomsen and J R Woolsey
Best Moment Graduation and passing in review. Unfortunately, when I changed from black shoe to brown shoe on 3-5 day, it confused personnel and I had no orders when boot camp ended. I got to spend a few extra weeks in San Diego doing whatever dirty job the Navy could find for me, until I ran into Chief Crenshaw who was going back into the fleet and he had me assigned to him. Life got a lot better, and I gained a new respect for my old boot camp commander.
Worst Moment When someone didn't remove their mask in the gas chamber and we had to find him and forceably remove it before we could get away from the tear gas!
Instructors CM Crenshaw, ENC, Company Commander, LT(jg) R.R. Spencer, Battalion Commander, and D.H. Chapman, Recruit Chief Petty Officer.
Other Memories We arrived in San Diego about 0200 on a cold and rainy night. When that old Battleship gray school bus took us through the gate at RTC, the driver said, "Take a good look, boys, and say goodbye to your freedom." We were then dropped off at the pavillion near the sign that said, "Welcome Aboard. You are now men of the United States Navy. The tradition of the service demands your utmost effort. Give it cheerfully and willingly." I remember thinking that I wasn't a man of the United States Navy yet, but no matter what, I would be soon.
The company picture was taken between two barracks, one of which was the "bad boys" barracks at the time, Barracks 4013. While waiting for the picture to be taken, we watched them getting their tails worked off in a number of different ways. A very good place to avoid. It was windy when the picture was taken, and my jumper is standing at attention (4th row, 2nd from the right.)
