Larsen, Neil, TMC

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY?
My Father shared great stories about his tour in the Navy at the tail end of the Korean War. Tales of being underway on mighty warships and pulling into foreign ports. His Father and Grandfather were also Navy Veterans. The decision was an easy one to make, and I had a great career in the U.S. Navy.

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?
After attending TM "A" School, I was sent to sunny San Diego for two years. I built Torpedo's and qualified as a crane operator. From there it was back to school every two years between serving on board Submarine Tenders up and down the East coast. Two successful tours of Recruiting duty (Green Bay & Pittsburgh) and retired after 24 years of service.

FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
The day I was selected for promotion to CHIEF PETTY OFFICER. Without a doubt, the most exciting day in my career. I had reached a milestone in my career and was welcomed into a Brotherhood stronger than any other in the world.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
The Navy Commendation Medals are a result of the hard work and long hours most Sailors endure every day. These are meaningful to me because they never let me forget the outstanding crews I had and the hours they put in to accomplish our mission. Their efforts made me shine and I was awarded for the work we accomplished as a team.

IF KNOWN, PLEASE LIST ANY INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM HIS/HER TIME IN THE MILITARY WHO STOOD OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEM AND WHY?
There are so many. The first who come to mind is TMCM(SW) Harry Smith. Master Chief Smith gave me great advice for many years. He was the reason I was selected for Chief and I will never forget him.

ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM HIS/HER SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MADE THEM LAUGH LATER ON?
BM1 Jim Perry and his reaction to a leaking hydraulic hose on a B&A Crane on board ship. We had a Missile suspended 50 feet in the air when the crane decided to shut down. Jim never panicked. He just looked at me and said "we have a small problem".

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
I continued with Recruiting. I always found it to be very rewarding when you are in a position to offer someone a job. I'm retired now, but working at the Navy Recruiting District Pittsburgh and I love it!

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU BELIEVE HIS/HER SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER?
The strong work ethics, integrity, and teamwork. These are great personal characteristics I gained while serving.

IF THEY WERE HERE TODAY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK HE OR SHE WOULD GIVE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS AND RECENTLY ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE?
Work hard and be honest and fair every day. Serve as long as you can and serve with pride. Not everyone can serve their country, not everyone has chosen to serve their country. HOOYAH!

HOW EFFECTIVE HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM BEEN IN HELPING YOU RECORD YOUR REMEMBERED PERSONS MILITARY SERVICE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?
I have made many new Friends and reconnected with several Shipmates I lost touch with. Most people don't understand the bond we have. Simply put, BROTHERS & SISTERS for life.




CJH