Greer, Clifton, Jr., SW1

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
Patriotic sense of pride for my country and a better life for my family.

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 a Navy Seabee Steelworker in the Naval Construction Force.

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?
I received imminent danger pay three times during my career when I was in Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Pakistan.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I have fifteen years of memories that I would have to sort through, but meeting Sean Connery at the Embassy in Nassau would be one of my top picks.

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?
The most meaningful would be my Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Badge which was earned in the early stages of it's creation. I still remember to this day a lot of the useful material that was required in order to receive this award.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Two people during my career taught me a lot about my rate and how to stand out as a leader. SW1 Lloyd Edwards and SW3 Steve Watts were great leaders that cared about their troops career and personal development. They both showed professionalism in motivating and shaping some of the finest Seabees I have ever known.

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?
Falling down one flight of stairs from the roof of the Embassy in Nassau and busting my arm up. I was suppose to be in a photo shoot with Sean Connery, but had to go to the hospital instead. It was kind of ironic that Sean walked up to me waiting out in front for the ambulance and asked if I was alright.

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 went into the profession of Defense Contractor and have been doing that for the last three and a half years.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am currently a life member of the Seabee Veterans of America. I get a monthly newsletter detailing the activities of the Naval Construction Force as well as stories from old Island X Seabees.

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?
I joined the Navy when I was twenty-six years old. It filled the void that I was missing and struggling with in the civil sector. My fifteen year career gave me the opportunity to go back to school and work on a degree as well as allow me to travel to over thirty five countries. To this day, I still carry myself as a Navy man of honor.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Continue your service until retirement. The civilian sector is not looking to good.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
It has helped me reconnect with old friends and allowed me to display my achievements for my family and friends to view.

DMR