Fournier, Thomas, NC1

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
My next door neighbor, George Lacus, joined the Marine Corps and was killed in Vietnam. While attending his funeral I looked at the casket and remember telling George that he made up my mind for me and that I was joining the Navy to save lives and bring home whoever was placed in my care alive if there was anyway I Ihat anything to say about it.I decided to join the Navy after learning that the Medical Training for Hospital Corpsmen was the best in the world, and seeing that I wanted to go Medical I chose the very best. 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?
Great Lakes RTC, Hospital Corps School Great Lakes, Great Lakes Naval Hospital, Attack Squadron 215 NAS Lemoore, USS Oriskany CVA34,NAS Pensacola for Naval Aerospace Med Tech School, NAS Whiting Field Dispensary, USS John F. Kennedy CV-67.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I believe the memory that stands out the most was my first assignment on board ship and my first deployment.

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?
Receiving my Aircrew Wings and My Navy Counselor Badge really stand out in my mind as my most meaningful because both helped to me to be of better service to those that I was serving.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
The Leading Chief on board the USS Oriskany CVA 34, HMCS Ackert, He helped me cope with the rigors of sea duty but he was also a friend that I kept in touch with right up to his death. His wisdom and caring really inspired me in my career.

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 performed many different jobs after leaving the Navy. The civilian community did not accept my medical training so I searched for what my career path would be and I finally became a Minister of the Gospel in 1986. I now serve as a counselor and friend to others.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
VFW, DAV, American Association of Naval Hospital Corpsmen, Naval Institute. As a member of these organization I keep up with the services available to veterans, enjoy friendships, and support veterans.

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?
Military service has reinforced my desire to help other people. Through working with so many and all the travels I benefited with a greater appreciation of history, and knowledge of the world. Putting all of this in a small package my experiences have helped many others and I really enjoy helping people.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
First I would like to say that I am proud of all who serve. I would encourage them to build on their education and to stick with. There is no greater form of patriotism and I am proud to stand with them.

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

TWS and the US Navy

I have been able to meet with members that I have served with during my career.

DS 8/15/16