Current/Last Primary MOS
2591-Operational Communication Chief
Current/Last MOSGroup
Communications
Previously Held MOS 9900-General Service Marine
2500-Basic Operational Communicator
2531-Field Radio Operator
5831-Corrections Specialist
8411-General Recruiter
2537-Radio Chief
I've been employed by Schnieder Natl.,Swift Transportaton & Averitt Exprsess.I started as a Driver,before becomming a Driver Training Engineer and later worked as a Field Recruiter with Human Resources,Risk Management and Saftey. What a way to see The Country and get paid for it.My travles took me Coast-to-Coast,East to West-North to South and to many Military Bases as I was Looking for a Few Good Men and Women to enter the transportation industry upon completion of thier tour of active duty. Currently I'm simi retired-that means I do not drive the big rigs anymore. Instead I ride my dressed out,Honda VT-1100 Shadow Sprit in this wonderful AZ weather.I can not afford a Harley.(because my ex gets half of my Marine Corps retirement pay).
Other Comments:
I am a LIFE MEMBER of The MARINE CORPS LEAUGE. I've served as Past Jr.Vice Commandant,Adjutant and Chaplin.I have been involved with The Toys for Tots program and The Marine for Life Program. The White Water Valley Detachment of The Marine Corps League,Richmond,Indiana is The Original Home Detachment of then National Commandant,Diana DILLS of Centerville,Indiana.I have a picture of 1stSgt Larry Hansen and I when we had the privilage of escorting The Marine Corps Birthday Cake and cutting a piece and presenting it to our guest speaker,GySgt Carlos HATHCOCK USMC Retired. He is the famous Scout Sniper known as "White Feather" during The Vietnam War.He's the author of; "One Shot,One Kill". As tradition has it, we cut the second piece of The Marine Corps Birthday cake with a NCO Sword and passed it to the oldest Marine present,who passed it to the youngest Marine present.(Of which I was niether). Upon relocating I transfered my membership to The Marine Corps League in Northern Ky Detachment 1006 and since moving to Arizona I am now a Life Member of The Marine Corps League's Old Breed Detachment 767 of Glendale,AZ. We are active in the Greater Phoenix Metro area and travel annualy to The Gila River Indian Reservation in Sacaton,Arizona,which is the ancestral home of Cpl Ira HAYES USMC,a Pima Indian who was one of The Flag Raiser of Mt.Suribachi during the battle for Iwo Jima & to Honor all the Brave Souls,& The Navajo Indian Code talkers of WWII. The Greatest Generation of true Americans.
Best Friends Commanding Officer,7th Comm Bn LtCol ROBBALARD (my former Captain on Recruiting Duty) CO. of Communications Company Maj JOHNSON. The SgtMaj.,1stSgt AHNER & MSgt HIGGINS.
Best Moment Visiting the port of call Hong Kong while still under British control & prior it's return to the Chinese. Went straight to a McDonalds and ordered a Big Mac cost $8.00 (Hong Kong Dollars) = $1.00 US. Would have paid it either way. Rode the Ferry's over & back many times. Also visited Mt Victoria & went to the Observatory several times. I'll never forget the smells & taste of the food being cooked and serverd on the street by vendors.
Worst Moment Could not hang in there with the Ships Detachment of Marines & Communicators while on Liberty. Had more Liberty than $$$ & can Not drink like I use to.Seems the Admiral had us in some port every weekend.
Chain of Command same as above
Other Memories The USS BLUE RIDGE was in the U.S. Naval Ship Yard Philadelphia,Pa. during 1972-1973 & my Navy Girl Friend along with another WAVE were the First Navy Enlisted Women to have served on board ship. They basicly had a work space on board while in dock. My Girl Friend quickly reminded me (during one of our re-unions)that she did go to sea for a short shake down cruise & that the Philadelphia Enquire was there upon return for the interview & picture that made the front page. It was fitting that The Blue Ridge was her first Ship & My Last Ship. I sent her a picture of me & The BLUE RIDGE in Hong Kong. Thanks to both for the memories.