The current guardian of this Remembrance Page is GySgt Denise Kincaid (Gunny Dee).
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HERE
Recovering from heart attack 3Jul07 (5x bypass). One step at a time - one day at a time, as well as two or three breaths at a time. Recoup/Rehab is a long and very slow process. I am now on the second year of rehab- oh how slow this is, and some days quite hard. If you smoke---QUIT! We can't blame "Agent Orange" on everything. Take and be responsible for your own actions!
New Stuff: 17Oct08 Another heart problem - Congestive Heart Failure. Emergency 911 and four (4) days in hospital. Excess liquids removed, change of/addional medications. Sent home to recover. No driving, no pulmonary rehab until further notice. Bland foods, no salt, and reduce liquid intake. Oh Woe is Me- Will this ever end?????
Other Comments:
Life is beautiful and great. Don't waste it! Maximize each and every day! Live today as though there is no tomorrow! THERE MIGHT NOT BE A "TOMORROW!"
New-new stuff - 30Mar09 - Pulmonary Rehabilitation three (3) days - Monday, Wednesday and Friday per week, Dr. appointments/follow ups on Tue and Thurs. Full weeks of medical appointments. On oxygen 24/7/365 with prognosis of "no cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis" due to smoking, nasty stuff in the air, and the kicker, Agent Orange in Vietnam - 1966-1967. But hell, tomorrow the sun will come up, my backyard birds will sing to me, my wife will still be by my side - and it too shall be a great day! I love it!!!! ************** New newer stuff--June 2009 As if I don't have enough physical problems, I have just been diagnosed as a Diabetic #2 - so the insulin shots and Glucose monitoring, plus doing a lot of reading and research on this subject. So I will loosen up my haversack shoulder straps for this new extra load, and continue to march - one breath, one step and one day at a time. Each day is a challenge, but with the grace of God, the help and support of my wonderful wife and family - this too shall pass. Each day is still beautiful! *************** 20 Sept 2009 Newest of new stuff; Seems my various systems are needing a lot of help, as implants and medications are coming on scene more often to keep this old antique body breathing and stumbling around. Just had a Pacemaker & Fibulator combination implanted - seems this worn heart needs help to stay in sync, and not to "flutter" - makes my Dr.s nervous. However, each day is a bonus, and more beautiful than the last, and I look forward to each new day - who knows, miracles still happen, and although my Drs. say "no way," I have faith, and believe that God makes the call. Life is still precious and beautiful. ******************* 28Nov09- New "old stuff!" Another 911 Help call- More of the same- congestive heart failure along with a major blood infection. In hospital eight (8) days. Many test and scans in an attempt to locate source- all test and culture smears negative. The virus is identified, but its source is not known. More test next week. In the meantime, recovering at home to get strength back and get back to Rehab. Its been too long. Each day is a big "Plus" and I thank God for it and look forward to the next day. Life is good and very, very precious. ***********************
USS Shangri-La (CV/CVA/CVS-38) was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers completed during or shortly after World War II for the United States Navy.
Commissioned in 1944 and named after the mythical paradise of the same name, Shangri-La participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations in World War II, earning two battle stars. Like many of her sister ships, she was decommissioned shortly after the end of the war, but was modernized and recommissioned in the early 1950s, and redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA). She operated in both the Pacific and Atlantic / Mediterranean for several years, and late in her career was redesignated as an anti-submarine carrier (CVS). She earned three battle stars for service in the Vietnam War.
Shangri-La was decommissioned in 1971 and sold for scrap in 1988.
Best Moment PCS from ship (USS Shangri La - CVA-38) to Camp Pendleton 2nd ITR as a weapons/tactics instructor.
Worst Moment Reporting aboard for duty when ship was in San Diego. Dry Dock in Bremerton Washington for extensive upgrade of catapault system prior to WestPac deployment The Shangri-La (CVA-38) was the first carrier outfitted with the angled flight deck. It did work "goodly!"
Other Memories I had a fine group of Marines here. Spit and polish El Primo. A high degree of professionalism and no sh-- birds. This was a very tight detachment of Marines, and it was a pleasure to have served with them.
This tour of duty was quite interesting. Several WESTPAC cruises, change of home port (San Diego, CA) to Mayport FL. A trip around the "horn," and joining NATO forces in the Atlantic. England liberty was a far cry from the Orient. Good beer, pubs and people. Sea Going Brits were a great bunch of British Marines, and also great hosts. We had several very good "field days" with them. With their daily "Grog Allowances," they drank like fish, and put us under the table every time. However, their marksmanship with weapons was not too good, drunk or sober
Although my ship (USS Shangri-La (CVA38))was sold for scrap to Tiawan, it was designated as a CVA (Carrier Vessel Attack), and went through two other tactical designations.
GREAT FUN! The ships POs (Petty Officers) did not like the idea that I did not have to stand "Brow Watch" (chk ID, uniform appearance, etc., etc.)and complained to their Div Cmdrs. As a SNCO, I rated 1st class privileges (PO quarters, head of chow lines, etc., etc and more etc). After much haggling (discussions) and a few cups of coffee, I agreed with their concerns. I also informed them when I had "Brow Watch," I would guarantee them that no sailor would pass my "liberty" inspection and be able to leave the ship. The same for returning from liberty - no one would be permitted to come aboard with out prior inspection and approval of the ships Master at Arms (Petty Officer 1st Class or CPO (Chief Petty Officer). This didn't go over too well with these individuals. Guess what? I never stood any "Brow Watch." I preferred my quarters to be with my Marines, rather than with the Navy POs. UuuRahhhh!
Additional Info; Sea going Marines (Soldiers of the Sea) were disbanded in 1998- No formal "Stand Downs" or other impressive ceremonies to mark this end of a grand and glorious era of the Corps. Just a simple, direct ALMAR. How Trite!!!! The Navy finally learned how to operate and run their ships without the help of the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS!!!!!!
