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Current Service Status
USMCR Veteran
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Current/Last Rank
Sergeant
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Current/Last Primary MOS
3534-Semi-Trailer Refueler Operator
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Current/Last MOSGroup
Motor Transport
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Previously Held MOS
3533-Logistics Vehicle System Operator
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Primary Unit
1976-1987, 3534, HQ & SVC Co, Red Bank, NJ, 6th Motor Transport Bn
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Service Years
1976 - 1987
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Other Languages
Spanish
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1976-1987, 3534, HQ & SVC Co, Red Bank, NJ, 6th Motor Transport Bn
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1976-1987, 3534, HQ & SVC Co, Red Bank, NJ, 6th Motor Transport Bn
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1979-1979, 3533, Motor Transportation Schools Bn, Schools Bn
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Reflections on Sgt Alvarado's
US Marine Corps Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS.
My father was the greatest influence. Having served in the Army, fighting in The Korean War from 1953 to 1955 and receiving the Purple Heart with a Star was impressive. Besides the fact that I was looking to do something with my life. He stated "Don't go Army ...Go Marines." He just reinforced my decision.
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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?
At the conclusion of boot camp is when I found out that I would be joining a motor transport unit. That was fine by me, I could have been washing dishes or cutting the grass but my goal was to attain the rank of Sergeant which is what my father was.
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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 can't say that I did. In all my time, my combat ops. We were preparing for such moments which never materialized.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
There were quite a few; from walking guard duty in a torrential down pour with a poncho on and my m16 in hand and saying to myself this is what its all about. Looking back that was fun.
My first beach landing in a jeep and being seated in the passenger seat and getting wet.
Another time, a beach landing and I'm driving a 5 ton truck straight off a landing craft and coming ashore.
Being at a range to observe the firing of LAAWS and inadvertently standing behind one about to be fired and then suddenly being yanked to the side so as not to get the back blast. I don't remember who saved my ass!
Another time was when I was delivering ordinance to an artillery battery and right after, walking over to one battery and then suddenly they opened fire. The vibration from the blast was an up lifting moment.
There are still many more to list.
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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 Organized Reserve Medal.
This is awarded for a combination of things; first and foremost is being squared away (shoes/boots shined, shirts and trousers cleaned and pressed, clean shaven and hair cut), passing inspections, being timely, volunteering left and right, never having your name called out for the wrong things.
All of the above and more for a period of four years.
That meant being 100% every day, every week, every month and every year for four years. That came to an end when I was struck by a car.
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WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
I have to say that would be Sgt Thomas Ganci, We were from the same city (Jersey City, NJ). To me He was a True Marine, his demeanor the way he carried himself. He was such an impact on my life in The Corp that he was My Best Man at my wedding.
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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?
Well that would have to be when a couple of guys did a "train" on a guy that was sleeping.
They said he had it coming to him. They started with shaving cream in the hands and then tickling his nose so he would swipe at his nose, eventually applying shaving cream to his face.
Then he would be awaken to a flash light beaming in his face, blinding him while three guys would be beating him with pillows and two other guys would be punching him, all saying "choo choo". All this being done while others watched.
No one escaped this. Every one got it at one time or another.
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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 was a supervisor at a hospital, ran transportation. Did that for a few years.
Now I'm semi retired. Not working by choice.
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Marine Corp Association.
I haven't taken advantage of any.
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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 have to strongly state that the discipline that I have received is a big factor.
Also that I have a title that NO ONE can ever take away... MARINE.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
Don't get out! Retire as a Marine.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Although I am not active in the Corps TWS is a portal with which to get in touch with others and at the same time bring back memories of what once was. I greatly appreciate the service that TWS provides. To TWS A Loud OOORAH!!! Amending my answer to this question. It has now been not quite 3 full months and I can honestly say I have found not 1, not 2, not 3 but 11 Brothers. Again a LOUD OOORAH TWS. *
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