O'Flaherty, Roderick Lee, Sr., CDR

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY?
Did not want to be drafted. I thought since the war in Europe was getting worse, that I might like to fly airplanes. I joined the Navy Reserve because I didn't know how long the war was going to go on for. So I joined the 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?
I graduated from flight school in Jacksonville and was assigned to my first duty station in Bermuda. The war had already started and I was a reservist all during the war. After the war, I decided to stay in and I was offered a commission and I signed up regular Navy. The rest is history.

IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
I traveled the globe! We flew where they told us to go. It was very interesting and it was also very nerve racking at times..I went to places I thought i would never see. I flew troops to Europe and supplies as well. The most unbelievable thing I saw was how much equipment and material we moved during WWII. It still amazes me today!

OF ALL THEIR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY HE/SHE HAD FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS THEIR LEAST FAVORITE?
Best - NAAS New Iberia, La. I was the first Commanding Officer of the base. It was the best duty of all. Least Favorite - NAS Norfolk, Command Post Duty. Why? You never knew if the direct line phone was going to ring. Made my nerves jump.

FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
I have great memories in New Iberia. Peggy and I had more fun. The people were great. We just enjoyed every part of the duty.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS DO YOU BELIEVE HE/SHE WAS MOST PROUD OF FROM HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE?
Twenty three years is a long time. I would have to say the Chinese Air Force Pilot Wings from the China Air Force Command in Taiwan. The citation read: "For his earnest efforts in promoting the traditional friendship between our two countries as well as his participation in the joint air defense exercises and the air - sea rescue activities with satisfactory results since he assumed the office as Operations Officer of the US Navy Section to the Joint Operations Center, Combat Air Command, Chinese Air Force in September 1957".

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
Naval Aviation Wings because they represent what I enjoyed doing for 23 years.

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?
Probably meeting Admiral Arleigh Burke. He was so nice to us when he came down to the opening ceremony of the Base. His wife and Peggy got along just fine.

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?
Night Flying. I was following a commercial airliner one night, not knowing I was the lead plane and went off course so I turned around and went back to base. The Captain wanted to know, "Who was the jackass who went off course?" Nobody said a word!

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
Returned to Richmond in 1964 .Took a job at The Collegiate Schools, a Private School (K-12) working in the Finance & Development. Stayed there until I retired in 1985.

IF KNOWN, WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS WAS HE OR SHE A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS THEY DERIVED FROM THEIR MEMBERSHIPS?
USAA - Automobile Insurance. TROA - The Retired Officers Association.

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 Navy taught me many things. The way I approached my life and my career was to be the best I could at what I was doing at the time. Firm, but fair. Treat people with respect and learn to get along with people regardless of who they are or where they come from. If you keep you mouth shut and your ears open, you'll be surprised how far you can go in this life. If someone tells you to do something, do it. I did and it worked for me in my career and in my civilian job as well.

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?
Today, I'd say to make the most of your Navy career because the Navy has a lot to offer. When you get out, you will be better disciplined and trained for the civilian job than most. Take advantage of EVERYTHING !! Don't forget when the Air Force had to send their technicians to schools, they sent them to the Navy Schools. The Navy still has the best schools and teachers in the United States.

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'm glad I went into the Navy. I had a career not many can say they had. I have been fortunate to have served with some great people in our Navy career. Peggy and I had a lot of fun. Sometimes you just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Its nice when it comes along. It doesn't happen all that often. We will miss it!

DB 8/1/2016