| Aviation Ordnanceman |
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Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USN Retired
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Current/Last Rank
Petty Officer First Class
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Current/Last Primary NEC
NC-9589-Command Career Counselor
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Current/Last Rating/NEC Group
Aviation Ordnanceman
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Primary Unit
1994-1996, NC-9588, VP-46 Grey Knights
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Previously Held NEC
8201-Naval Aircrewman Candidate
AO-8271-P-3 Flight Crew Ordnanceman
AO-6803-P-3 Armament/Ordnance IMA Technician
AO-8319-P-3 System Organizational Maintenance Tech
NC-9588-Career Information Program Advisor
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Service Years
1977 - 1996
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| Official/Unofficial US Navy Certificates
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Enduring Freedom
Order of the Arctic Circle (Bluenose)
Plank Owner
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What are you doing now:
I have now relocated to Bradenton, Florida. I graduated May 5, 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and am now working in sunny Florida. I currently work for Florida State University College of Medicine in Sarasota as the Regional Student Support Coordinator. As the Regional Student Support Coordinator, I represent the Division of Student Affairs for the College of Medicine's Regional campus in Sarasota and directly assist the Regional Campus Dean by identifying the academic, personal and professional support needed by third and fourth year medical students with the goal of maximizing the success of each student. I serve as the primary liaison for the students between the College of Medicine administration, faculty, academic programs and student services. In addition, I maintain all regional campus student records and instructional material in the student learning center. I am the Chief Proctor for all NBME medical exams as well as coordinate and provide orientation, career development, personal counseling and other support services needed to reach their goals. I completed a Master of Arts degree in Education concentrating in Online Teaching & Learning in May 2017. In 2012 I had a full right hip replacement which ended my 38 year softball career so now I play as much golf as I can!
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Other Comments:
My best friend while attached to VP-8 and for the rest of his life, AT2 Edward Grinnell (Radio Operator) passed away on July 11, 2011. May he Rest in Peace. Without him, I would not be the person I am today. Hence I have created a memorial profile for him. For those who knew him, know we had some great times!
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1978-1978, 8201, FRAMP VP-30, VP-30 Pro's Nest
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1978-1981, AO-8271, VP-8 Fighting Tigers
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1981-1981, AO-6803, USS Guam (LPH-9)
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1981-1983, AO-8319, Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville TX
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1987-1991, AO-8271, VP-16 War Eagles
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1991-1994, AO-8271, VX-1 Pioneers
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1994-1996, NC-9588, VP-46 Grey Knights
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Reflections on PO1 Collier's
US Navy Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
The economy of the late 70's was the biggest influence on my decision to join the Navy. Standing in the unemployment line 5 hours each week to get a check for $150 was not my idea of a good time. There were a few other personal factors that also influenced my decision, however the idea of getting away from the situation I was in was definitely the biggest factor.
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WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
After boot camp, I went on to "A" school in Memphis, Tn. While there, I noticed some of my instructors with Aircrew wings and asked how a person went about getting them. I was told at the time that since I was an AO that there were not many billets available and it was very difficult to get them. As it turned out, I didn't think it was that hard at all! I was at the top of my "A" school class and had first choice of orders when they came in. There just happened to be 2 sets of Aircrew orders and I took 1 of them! From there my career path was chosen. I finished "A" school and went on to flight school in Jacksonville, Fl. My first command was VP-8 and just as I had arrived fresh out of flight school, we had a plane go down killing all 8 crew members. As a new airman in the squadron I was tasked to help with the clean up of that crash. That had a profound impact on me at that time.
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