BARKER, TROY, SK1

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
Prior to my senior year of high school, Mom and Dad sat me down and asked me what were my plans after graduation. I planned to continue work at the pancake house and live with them for a while. They said "no" and told me I would need to move out by summer's end. So, me and Rob Wise went down to the recruiter to sign up on the buddy system. I was only 17 so my Mom and Dad had to approve my recruitment, which they happily did. Rob's parents told him to wait until he was 18. Four years later, Mom and Dad visited me in California with me getting out in 6 months. They asked me what my plans were and I said to come home and go to school. They told me I was not going to live in their house, this was their time and I needed to respect that. I didn't have the GI Bill, so I decided to re-enlist.

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?
I was in Logistics. I went in the Navy to be an Electrician, but, the detailer at MEPS told me I would have to wait another 8 months to enter the Navy. So I changed to Storekeeper, as I was ready to go in. I spent 12 of my 20 years island hopping on Hawaii, Sicily and the Philippines. I was also stationed on the USS Ogden and the USS Essex. The island life was wonderful with great times. The ship life was difficult with some great memories and some great friends I am still in contact with them today.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
So many, NSD Subic Bay, a new Senior Chief reported as our Departmental LCPO (I was a SK2) and I got word he was walking around to meet all the Sailors putting them at "attention", holding an on-the-spot personnel inspection. Everyone failed then he sent you home on the spot to fix your violation - embarrassing. He planned to visit my shop tomorrow. I was cocky, so I decided I was going to be the 1 person he could not find a hit during his inspection. I went back to my barracks, starched my uniforms with "sharp" military creases, shined my boots to a bright glow, sniped off all Irish pennants, went out in town and got a haircut, the works. In the Philippines, when you git the works, you get the hair cut, manicure, pedicure, nose hair trim and massage so I was ready !!!

I got up the next morning, close shave and I reported to work. Here he comes, the First Class is nervous because he looks like crap, I am cocky and ready, bring it on Senior Chief!! The First Class fails immediately and is sent home to fix his uniform, the shame. He puts me at attention, I pop to, but am smiling inside, because I know I am going to be the first Sailor to pass his inspection. He looks me from head to toe, then a little harder from toe to head. I am beaming inside, he can't find nothing to hit me on, then he says "Petty Officer Barker, is that clear nail polish on your fingernails" (damn - the manicure), I reply, "Yes Senior Chief", he replies, "Is that in accordance with U.S. Naval Uniform Regulations", I reply - figuring by his tone I was out of regulation, "No Senior Chief", he replies, "Will this be removed by the end of the day", I reply, "Yes Senior Chief". Although I failed, he did not send me home so partial success for some reason, I never forgot this story.

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?
My first Navy Commendation Medal awarded on board the USS Essex. Medal was hard earned which made me appreciate it that much more.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
SKCS Michael Green/USS Essex. He knew the rating better than anyone I ever met. He instilled in me to be the most knowledgeable storekeeper at every command I was at, as knowledge was power. Thanks Mike. SK1 Paul Koch (SKCM retired) USS Essex also was very instrumental in instilling this into me at the same command. Thanks Paul.

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?
I followed the same path after retirement. Too much experience to change.

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?
It keeps me positive when many others are looking for blame and negativity. It has allowed me to see the world, the good and the bad, which allows me the appreciate what I do have and not bitch about what I do not have.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Happiness and memories and the most important things in life. Serve overseas!!!

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 allowed me to reunite with old friends that I had lost touch with. THANK YOU!!!

*J*