Raines, Wendy, BM1

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
It was the next step up from the US Naval Sea Cadets.

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?
US Naval League Cadet 1978-1980
US Naval Sea Cadet 1980-1984
US Navy 1985-1989
US Naval Reserve 1989-1992
US Naval Reserve (inactive) 1993-1995

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?
My reserve unit was called up for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The closest I came to actual combat (that I can discuss/ "know" of) was loading MBTs at the MOT Oakland, CA. Outside of that, it warping in subs on the ARDM-4 at NSBNLON during the final throws of the Cold War.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
Receiving USNSCC National Cadet of the Year in 1982. It was great especially getting that bond for $1000. I was the first thing that told me that I can do whatever I set a goal for including serving my country.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
I received the SW Asia Campaign Medal, the Kuwaiti Liberation of Kuwait medal and the National Defense Medal all for loading MBTs for a week. Strange but true!

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?
National Cadet of the year in 1982. It was the first and had a 1000 dollar prize to boot! Also, because of my prior USNSCC time and work, I was awarded the ESWS badge.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
To pick one from all of the outstanding individuals during my service would be highly unfair to any/all of them.

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 did some Stevedore and Crane Operator work after leaving active duty only to pay for school and career change. I am now a Draftsman and Technical Artist.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a part-time instructor for my old USNSCC unit. I am giving back what I got from the program. It's only right and fair.

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 am much bolder and better person for it. I learned to hate the "shrinking violet" types. Just take a look, hold your breath and jump in. I also learned that it maybe a weak man that urges compromise but its a foolish one who cannot do it!

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
I want them to remember that all who have done/are doing and allies in naval service are SHIPMATES and not just the people you personally served with. Naval bonds are strong and deep!

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

TWS and the US Navy

Show e-mail addresses for all naval service members, allies included! I have some shipmates in the ROK Navy and the Royal Navy I am trying to find.

DS 2/15/17