Moore, Jerry, AK1

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY?
I was young and not sure what job I wanted in a small town in Northwest Florida, but was certain it would not be a pulp wooder or logger. My brother had enlisted a year ahead of me and I had always wanted to see the world and I enlisted thinking if my brother could make it I sure could. Went to boot camp in 1971 and wasn't sure what path I should take. So I volunteered for aviation duty while in there. Upon graduation, I was sent to Memphis at the NATTC at Millington for career FRAMP school. I was told I qualified for AD, AMH, and AMS. I chose neither. First assignment was USS Intrepid CVS-11 in Quonset Point and checked aboard as an AA. I was sent mess cooking in the Chief's mess, thinking I was stuck there for 6 months. After being there one week I met AKC Harold Milgrim, he asked what I wanted to do and I replied that I wanted to work with my hands. Another week went by and I was checked into S-6 Division (aviation stores). I quickly mastered the rate and was recognized as the most valuable striker in the division. I enjoyed the work and stuck with it. Never had any combat. I have this fond memory of all the helicopter squadrons I was assigned to. HT-18, HC-1, VC-5, and HS-7.

I was very happy being the fleet expediter while in VC-5 working with COMFAIRWESTPAC and LAMPS DET CUBI supporting all helicopters in the WESTERN PACIFIC. I was told at one time, I was the first AK in the Navy to be awarded the Aviation Warfare Wings while attached to HC-1 DET 2 aboard USS Midway CV-41.

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?
The career path has and always will be Aviation Supply. It has earned me self respect for a job well done and still provided satisfaction knowing that what I do really matters and the other missions could not be accomplished without my support efforts.

IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
Have never had any combat experience. I did volunteer for brother duty when my brother was attached to HC-3 Det106 flying supplies into Da Nang VN. But was told I could not because two brothers in combat zone was a no no.

FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
The memories are countless, just knowing and getting the pleasure of working with the best people anywhere is gratifying.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS DO YOU BELIEVE HE/SHE WAS MOST PROUD OF FROM HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE?
Was never in a situation for medal for valor.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
Medals are not really important. It's the knowledge of knowing you did something that satisfies yourself and that's reward enough.

IF KNOWN, PLEASE LIST ANY INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM HIS/HER TIME IN THE MILITARY WHO STOOD OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEM AND WHY?
AKC Harold Milgrim. While attached to USS INTREPID CVS-11 he treated all his subs with respect, that was in turn for him as well. We would have followed that man into hell if asked to. He was instrumental in teaching and training everyone, he taught was respect and self worth. I actually called him Dad because of his understanding and the way treated people. He made us all feel like the chip off the old block.

ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM HIS/HER SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MADE THEM LAUGH LATER ON?
Always laugh when I think of the old trick the line rats tried to pull on us newbies. If you see something drip from under the aircraft check it out. Touch, smell, taste. They never caught me on that one but others found out what the relief tube was in helicopters.

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
Currently working as aviation logistics rep for a major company. Have stayed in the supply field for going on 40 years now and still enjoy what I have learned through the years and teach younger supply types the ropes of do's and don'ts. Very enjoyable.

IF KNOWN, WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS WAS HE OR SHE A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS THEY DERIVED FROM THEIR MEMBERSHIPS?
Currently, member of the NHA and will look into Foreign Legion and AMVETS as places to meet other vets.

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU BELIEVE HIS/HER SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER?
My service taught me many things helpful in life, but the main things are, self respect, respect for others, satisfaction of performance and knowing what I can do and do for others.

IF THEY WERE HERE TODAY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK HE OR SHE WOULD GIVE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS AND RECENTLY ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE?
Others that are still in service should know...What they are doing is right, personal satisfaction is reward enough, stand true to your word and never alter from your decisions right or wrong. We all make mistakes in life and your service to this country is no mistake. Take account for your actions and reward will follow, even if it's only self gratification.

HOW EFFECTIVE HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM BEEN IN HELPING YOU RECORD YOUR REMEMBERED PERSONS MILITARY SERVICE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?
NTWS provides a service that maybe we needed years ago. It has helped us all to maintain contact with the people we have served with and grown to love as brothers and sisters. It makes the circle of life come around again and again. I really can't put into words what it makes me feel, but my heart knows without question.

DB 11/16/2016