Zalke, Dale, MC1

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
I decided to join the military after various arguments with my father. I was undecided about what I wanted to do as a career and looking for a way to pay for college.

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?
1986 to 1992 - Active Duty as an Electronics Technician, making 2nd Class Petty Officer before leaving active duty.

1993 to 2001 - Reserve Duty as an Electronics Technician, unsuccessfully advancing to the next pay-grade.

2001 to 2009 - Changed rate to Journalist 2nd Class and a year later advancing to 1st Class Petty Officer. Retired Jan 1, 2009 as a Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer (Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist).

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
Served on board ship while deployed to Operation Just Cause off the coast of Panama.

Served on board ship while deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm off the coast of Kuwait in the Persian Gulf.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Serving on board USS Vreeland was my first duty station and I served for 4 years. I learned a lot about the Navy and being at sea was interesting. Got to visit foreign ports of call.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
There are so many memories that I can not pinpoint one memory that stands out, because each experience has something particular about it that is hard to define.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
I would have to say my Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) pin was the most meaningful, because it was not required for advancement. I wanted to learn as much as I could about my ship, so I could be a Subject Matter Expert.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
After reflecting on my naval career, one individual that had a positive impact on me as an Electronics Technician would have to be ETCM (SW) Larry Salls, retired. I worked with him for 2 years and got to spend time with his family. He is a great role model as a father to his 3 boys which I was able to witness. I have tried to do the same with my family of 3 boys and 1 girl.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
Went to college and earned my degree in Communications and presently a Sales and Service Representative.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
I believe the discipline that is instilled in me by the military has aided me in achieving all that I set my mind to without fear of failure.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
All things happen for a reason, learn from all your experiences and save money, but most of all enjoy the travel and sites throughout the world.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the US Navy

It has been fun to look back and connect with shipmates.

DS 3/2/17