Drouillard, James, ET1

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
My desire to serve my country comes from my religious beliefs. Many members of my religion are pacifists so aren't willing to serve in the military. Most others are activists. Again not very good with the military.

Since I'm not one to have someone pay my way I feel that those who can serve in the military should serve.

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 started off with the Nuclear Program but like many I didn't make the cut so I headed out to the fleet as an MMFN. Served 5 years in MMR#2 of the USS Detroit. While on the last year of my enlistment I met the woman who who become my wife.Since she was up for being a full time Navy wife I left active duty.

Seven years later our life got to a point I could go back to the Reserves. Since I learned my lessons in the engine room I used my degree to go APG as an ET3.

After serving in various units, mostly as portable comms, I now stand at a point where I need to choose either the Chief's or the LDO path

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?
During my time on the USS Detroit we were part of the carrier groups during Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Kuwaiti Liberation.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
On my second AT aboard the USS Constitution I was on a Turn Around Cruise in which a presented the CO one of three knives that I made from materials recovered during upkeep of Ironsides.

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?
Of all the awards the one that stands out at this time is my Armed Forces Reserve Medal. It marks a major goal in my life and career.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
MM2/1 (and hopefully Chief) Stafford. He taught me many lessons of leadership that I still use to this day.

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?
I had got a chance to get EMT training through the Navy since I did stretcher bearer on the fire team. After three weeks in Philly I came back to the ship while they were doing the HIV draw for the whole ship. Since I had gone through this medical training they decided to make use of me to help out.

Imagine this, you've been in line for the last hour, you're grumpy and ticked off. It's finally your turn and sit down. Here comes the guy with the needle and HE"S A MACHINIST MATE!!!

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?
On the civilian side of the house I work for AT&T. I have served in several different areas. From a QC position as a tester to design work and surveillance. Both in Layer 1 and Layer 2.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I currently hold the position as Chapter President of the company's Vet's Association. Our current projects include 200 care packages for troops in theater, the adopting of an Army unit in Iraq for Christmas (using a soldier tree), supporting the local Fisher house with detergent & washing supplies, Vet's Day Ceremonies and Parades.

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?
Honor, Courage and Commitment.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Remembrance and respect.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Have had a chance to connect with a couple of the guys from the Detroit. Also made few friends here. Even been helped out with leadership issues from the senior people.