Stuvengen, Kurt, BTC

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
Three Generations of family members serving in the military. Father, Mother, Uncle and brother all served in the Navy.

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?
Orlando, FL for Boot Camp, Great Lakes for BT training, USS Reeves (CG-24), ComFltAct Yokosuka, USS Dubuque (LPD-8), Great Lakes, Instructor Duty, FISC Yokosuka, Det Sasebo Fuel Depot/HAZMIN Center.

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?
Not in actual combat but deployed to the Persian Gulf 4 times and had run ins with the North Korean and Russian Navies playing chicken at the height of the Cold War. During Operation Enduring Freedom we would anchor in the middle of mine infested waters and act as mother ship for the mine sweepers.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
The USS Reeves was my first ship and through her was able to become a true WESPAC Sailor. Being a forward deployed Cruiser at the height of the Cold War, we were bad ass and knew it. We were at the "tip of the spear". However, from a career standpoint the USS Dubuque was the better assignment. I came into my own as a LPO and Supervisor, achieved dual Warfare qualifications and was initiated at sea to the ranks of Chief Petty Officer.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
The day I was pinned with a set of my father's CPO anchors. 16SEP1991.

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?
Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, first member of the USS Dubuque crew to qualify under the new tougher qualification standards. It made me a better more knowledgeable Sailor.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Mark Manis. He came aboard Reeves as a BT2 and took me under his wing teaching me more about the BT rating. He left Reeves as a BTC and I left as a BT1.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
To many to mention. I'll get back to you.

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?
Still steaming boilers as a civilian. I work for the University of Wisconsin at the Madison Campus at the steam heat / chill water plant.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, Patriot Guard Riders, Sons of the American Legion, USS Reeves Association. Helps to keep Veterans issues at the forefront in Congress and media. Also a place bond with fellow Veterans and share our experiences.

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?
All the leadership traits and knowledge that the military taught me I have taken into the civilian world. Sometimes this works sometimes it doesn't.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Stand up for your people. If you are in a senior position take responsibility for your actions and do what is right.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
It is a place to go and reconnect with past shipmates that share the common bond of service in the United States Navy.