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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
Sgt John Petty U.S. Marine Corps (1980-1988)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS?
There were actually three main factors that convinced me to join the military. One was that throughout my entire life I intensely disliked school, so I knew I didn't want to go to college right out of high school. I also didn't know of any particular job or career path that I wanted to pursue.
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My Dad's WWII Army
Boot Camp Photo |
Another influence on my decision was that I knew an upperclassman in high school who was quite a stoner (marijuana user), and rather slovenly. When he graduated in 1979 he joined the Corps and came back from boot camp a new man. I thought the change was pretty impressive, and that if the Marine Corps could change him that much, then it could probably do quite a bit of good for a mama's boy like me.
The first and the foremost reason I joined the military though, was that I was raised in a very patriotic home with a WWII veteran for a father. His father before him was a WWI veteran. As a matter of fact I still have my grandfather's WWI Victory Medal. Anyway, My dad made sure that I knew the history of our nation, especially from a military viewpoint. He taught me why we fought the wars we fought, and why I should have great admiration and appreciation for the men who fought, and in particular for the men who died protecting our freedom in those struggles. He made sure that I had a deep respect for the flag and that I knew, even as a little tyke, to stand at attention, place my right hand over my heart, and sing during the singing of our national anthem. He taught me to do the same any time the flag passed by during a parade (except for the singing part, of course). He made sure that I knew the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful (My Country 'Tis of Thee), and America. He also insured that I understood the meaning of those beautiful songs. He instilled in me a love for my country which in turn fostered the desire in my heart to give back to the nation that had done so much to give me my freedoms.
It all boils down to this, I had been considering joining the military for as long and as far back as I could remember due to my fathers influence as stated above. I have always believed that the USMC represented the best of what the military has to offer. Therefore, I chose enlistment in the USMC.
WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
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The first photo taken of me
as a full-fledged Marine,
location, Parris Island. |
I joined the USMC on the delayed enlistment program in 1979 and went to Parris Island for boot camp in July of 1980. I was originally assigned to 2nd Battalion, D Company, Platoon 2054. Eight days prior graduation I was recycled all the way back to the final week of the 2nd phase of training (mess and maintenance). I felt it in my gut ahead of time that I was going to be recycled. I also knew in my heart that I wasn't mentally or physically ready to be a Marine yet. Man oh man, was I ever depressed when the news finally came that I was to "pack my trash for the sea-bag drag" ! I mean, here I am sitting in the squad bay cleaning my rifle, shining my boots, or some other exciting activity like that, and in barges my SDI smiling from ear to ear and screaming at the top of his lungs, "pack your trash, you are outta here, you are leaving"! It was quite a shock to a timid young man who thought he was almost finished with boot camp. Anyway, I was then assigned to 2nd Battalion, F Company, Platoon 2067, and finally graduated in October 1980. Hallelujah!
Following boot camp I went to Aviation Operations Specialists School in Meridian, MS. Aviation Operations Specialists perform administrative tasks pertaining to airfield operations and flight crew. Some of the main tasks include but are not limited to the following: flight clearance, which is the approval of the flight plans that are filed by pilots prior to all flights; posting of Notices to Airmen NOTAMS, (NOTAMS are notices filed with an aviation authority to alert pilots to potential hazards along a flight route or at any particular location that could affect the safety of the flight); maintenance of all officer and enlisted flight crew Naval Training, and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) records and logbooks; issuance of enlisted flight orders, and flight scheduling. It was also here that I got drunk for the first time in my life, a bad habit that I regrettably followed for the next six years. I also received my promotion to Private First Class while here. One of my instructors was SSgt. Donald Manker. It just so happens that he is a TWS member, and that I still talk to him occasionally. I've actually gotten together with him for lunch on a couple of occasions too.
In 1981 upon completion of my MOS training, I was assigned to 4th MAW HQ G-3 in New Orleans, LA. I absolutely hated New Orleans. I know that may sound kind of strange for a newly indoctrinated drinking man, but that's just how I felt and still feel about that city. Even so, it was here that I met, in my opinion, some of the finest officers and men that I have ever worked with in my life. I feel that way about those guys to this day. A couple of those men are TWS members, MSgt. Charles Howard, and GySgt. Brian Bolich (Cpl. and LCpl. respectively when I first met them). I was also promoted to Lance Corporal while stationed here.
My one and only overseas tour came in 1983 when I was sent to H&MS-12 S-3 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. At the time, H&MS-12 was an OA-4M squadron. During my stay in Japan, H&MS-12 was deployed to MCAS Futenma on Okinawa. If I remember correctly the deployment lasted 2 or 3 months. Anyway, in a one year period I got to see much of the southern tip of mainland Japan, including Hiroshima, and most of Okinawa. It was also here that I re-enlisted for my second four year hitch and was promoted to Corporal.
In 1984 I went to H&HS S-3 at MCAS Beaufort, SC. I went to Naval Aircrew Candidate School, and Naval Rescue Swimmer School in Pensacola, FL. in 1985. Then it was back to Beaufort from 1985-1988. During this period my main duties were my administrative duties with H&HS S-3, but my favorite job I have ever had was being a Rescue Swimmer with MCAS Beaufort SAR. I would have loved to have been able to do nothing but be a Rescue Swimmer there until I was too old and unfit to perform those duties any longer. It was here that in 1986 I was lead to a life changing belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by my good friend Andy Johnson. Andy was an Air Traffic Controller in Beaufort. I quit drinking cold turkey and began trying to live like a follower of Christ.
Sometime in late 1987 I had to go before a board of officers and senior enlisted personnel in order to be interviewed to determine my fitness as a candidate for recruiter's school. I suppose those fine gentlemen considered me fit because; sure enough, I did receive orders to recruiter's school. The only problem was, I definitely had no desire whatsoever to be a recruiter. I attempted to have the orders rescinded but to no avail. Due to my fairly new-found faith I also wanted to go to Bible college full time. So, rather than become a recruiter, I got out when my enlistment was up in February 1988. I then enrolled in Crichton College, a Bible college in Memphis, TN, where I majored in Bible and Theology. It was there that I met the love of my life and my future wife Lesley. We were married in 1990 and now (2015) have three adult daughters and two grand children.
I oftentimes think it would have been nice to stay and make a career out of The Corps; there are many things about it that I miss quite a lot. I know though that I made the correct decision for myself given the situation at that time. I have no regrets.
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
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| MCAS Beaufort Search and Rescue Crewmen |
I never served in combat, but I have the greatest respect, admiration, and gratitude for those that have done so and still do serve in combat. Thank you so very much to all of you for putting yourselves in harms way for my family and me! In no way, shape, form, or fashion do I mean this statement to demean, belittle, or reduce the importance of those who have served in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, but it is my belief that all who serve in the military are performing humanitarian and peacekeeping operations. For whatever it's worth, I did serve as a Rescue Swimmer in an operational capacity in the MCAS Beaufort, S. C. Search and Rescue unit. I feel our mission was pretty humanitarian in nature. It seems to me that you can't get much more humanitarian than to save the lives of people in mortal peril. I am very grateful to God and to the USMC for giving me the opportunity to work with the dedicated crewmembers of SAR Beaufort to accomplish that very endeavor.
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
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| Tully and Connie in 2006 |
That's a very difficult question to answer considering the fact that I have many good memories about all of my duty stations, with the possible exception of Parris Island! All things considered, my favorite duty station would have to be MCAS Beaufort. It was here that I had my favorite job of my entire life. That job was being a Search and Rescue (SAR), Rescue Swimmer. I also met a couple in Beaufort that would become two of the best friends I ever had or ever will have, Tully Bryant and his lovely wife Connie. My least favorite duty station, aside from what I have already said about boot camp, would have to be 4th MAW New Orleans. Although I met many fine Marines there that I definitely consider my friends for life, and I had many good times there as well, I generally hated the city itself and still do today. A humorous note. Tully and Connie Bryant just happen to be from New Orleans.
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| The Craft that Squashed My Leg |
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
I would think that the question implies a memory that impacts one emotionally or impacts ones life course. I suppose the memory that stands out most for me though is one that has impacted me physically. In 1986 my lower left leg was crushed under the left side main mount of a HH-46A while serving with SAR in Beaufort, SC. This has definitely impacted me physically, because as I age, my left knee develops more pain, and said pain occurs more often. It definitely affects my physical abilities. That knee has also developed a case of osteo-arthritis. Of course, it doesn't help that I have become quite a fat body, but I'm workin' on it!
WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER? IF YOU RECEIVED ANY MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS OR QUALIFICATION BADGES FOR SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT OR VALOR, PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW THESE WERE EARNED.
The awards I received during my service that are the most significant to me were not awarded by the military, but by a private enterprise. The three rescue awards that were awarded to myself and my fellow SAR crew members by Boeing are the most important to me: one award
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| Boeing Vertol Rescue Pin |
for the at sea rescue of two victims of one boating accident, the second award for the at sea rescue of a another boating accident victim, and the third award for the rescue and medevac of one severely injured professional fisherman.
The first rescue occurred on 10 July, 1985. A Marine Sergeant and his teenage daughter were pleasure boating in the Port Royal Sound, south of St. Helen Island when their 22 foot craft was capsized by large waves. Both survivors were transported to the Beaufort Naval Hospital Emergency Room where they were treated and released.
The second event was the 2 April, 1986 night rescue of a survivor from a half sunk 14 foot Hobie Cat, two nautical miles east of Hilton Head Island, S.C. The victim had only a minor case of hypothermia. After treatment by our flight corpsman he was transported, at his request, to the Hilton Head airport.
The third incident was on 21 September, 1987. A professional commercial fisherman aboard the fishing vessel "Maury J", had gotten his leg caught in a net winch and his lower leg had been "wound" onto the spool along with the winch cable. The last I heard the man's life was not only saved, but a surgical team had been able to save the mangled leg as well.
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR ANY OTHER MEMORABILIA, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH ARE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
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| My Rescue Swimmer Class |
My Enlisted Naval Aircrew wings are very meaningful to me. Not only do they represent the fulfillment of my desire to become a SAR Rescue Swimmer, they also represent a lot of hard work in successfully completing Naval Aircrew Candidate School, Naval Rescue Swimmer School (easily a challenge for USMC boot camp in difficulty), and the in-house training of MCAS Beaufort Search and Rescue. My three Boeing Vertol Rescue Awards are also extremely meaningful because they represent the fact that I was able to be a part of saving lives. Saving lives is always a satisfying endeavor. I don't mean that in a "blowing my own horn" kind of way, but it is just that participating in the saving of a human life gives me the feeling that maybe I am doing something worthwhile to make a difference in the world.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
MGySgt George Holton, the NCOIC at 4th MAW HQ G-3 in 1981 had a huge impact on me in my very early service. He made me feel welcome, needed, and comfortable in a very new and stressful stage of my military life as a young and immature PFC in the USMC. He invited me to his home for many weekend stays with him and his family, which I always thoroughly enjoyed. As a matter of fact his nickname fit him perfectly - "pappy'. I believe that if it were not for Pappy Holton, my stay in New Orleans would have been nothing but misery.
Sgt Thomas Tully Bryant at MCAS Beaufort did the same for me in 1986, only I was a Corporal then. As mentioned before Tully and Connie became great friends. They made me feel at home in their home, and it was actually Tully that encouraged me to become a Rescue Swimmer in the first place. As a matter of fact, when I injured my left leg and had my knee reconstructed, they insisted that I stay with them in their home in order to receive their help and hospitality during my recovery. Connie is a fantastic cook, and I certainly ate well during that stay!
It may sound kind of silly to say it this way, but these people greatly impacted me by showing me that the best time to help someone is when they actually need help. I certainly did need help on those occasions when these wonderful people saw that I was in need and intervened for good at those times.
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?
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| SAR Beaufort Unit Patch |
While wing walking one night I got my left foot stuck under the left landing gear of a HH-46A, and my left leg was crushed from heel to knee under the 20,000 plus pound aircraft. Wing walking in this context, is the process of walking outside the rotor arc while the aircraft is being pushed backwards by a tug so as to ensure that the path the craft is traveling is clear of obstructions. The incident was actually written up in the "Maintenance Management" section of the May/June 1987 issue of the Naval Aviation Maintenance Safety Review magazine "Mech", as an example of improper maintenance procedure.
And I quote; "A wing walker's left foot and lower leg were run over by an aircraft wheel while the aircraft was being moved. The move was conducted at night without a tow director. The wing walker approached the port side of the aircraft and began opening the battery compartment before the move was completed".
The incident itself occurred while hangering the aircraft one night after training. There were two F/A-18's throttled up to about 80 percent power approximately 100 yards away from the helicopter. About 200 yards on the other side of the F-18's an MP was walking foot patrol. The second my heel was "grabbed" by the tire I thought to myself "I'm screwed", and "man this is going to hurt". The pain of the helicopter rolling up my leg from heel to knee was so excruciating that the MP heard my scream over the racket of the F-18's and came running to investigate. I was taken to the Beaufort Naval Hospital via ambulance. Due to some sort of hospital SNAFU, I received no pain medication for twenty-four hours. I was soon thereafter taken to the operating room for the first of four surgeries. Prior to these surgeries I was a bit of a runner. I had run one Marine Corps Marathon, and I routinely ran 8 to 12 miles per day as part of my fitness regimen. After the surgeries and 9 months of rehab, I was able to get back to running a max of about 8 miles per day. I'd say that was pretty good after that much knee trauma. I am eternally grateful to my orthopedic surgeons Dr. Ralph Salzer, and Dr. Jim Stoddard.
Although the event was extremely painful, a clear violation of safety procedure, and not at all funny at the time, it wasn't long before I was laughing at my own stupidity. I still laugh at myself for that incident.
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 left the Marine Corps in 1988, and it took me until 1994 to find my final career path. After I left The Corps I had multiple jobs. I became a bowling pinsetter mechanic. I loaded and unloaded freight for a trucking company. I wrote service contracts, dispatched service calls,
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Memphis Fire Department Engine 23
Company Patch |
and filed documents for a heating ventilation and air conditioning company. I completed the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Glynco. GA Basic Police Training Course and became a Department of Defense Federal Police Officer in 1992 expecting to make that my final career path. Thanks to The Honorable Bill Clinton's Base Realignment and Closure Committee, I lost that job and had to change careers.
I finally found what I would assume will be my final career path in 1994. Since then I have been a Firefighter/EMT in Memphis, TN. Although I am constantly frustrated by the actions of the city of Memphis' government and the Memphis Fire Department administration for their poor treatment of us rank and file firefighters, the job itself ranks second only to being a USMC Search and Rescue, Rescue Swimmer for my personal enjoyment, camaraderie, and the fulfillment that comes from helping others.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a member of The American Legion and Together We Served. I am ashamed to say it, but I am not at all active in my American Legion post. I intend to be active someday because I believe that the American Legion is a fine organization and does many good things for the benefit of veterans of all generations, as well as for the benefit of local community. For me, the most important benefit of my Together We Served membership is probably the same as for most members, and that is my re-connection and fellowship with the veterans I served with, and had lost contact with over the miles and years.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
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| Dad not long before he passed away |
I was reared by a father who instilled in me a very strong work ethic. Although my father was also a very strict disciplinarian, it was really the USMC that instilled in me SELF discipline. This is definitely the way that the military influenced my approach to life the most. It is this self discipline coupled with the strong work ethic taught and ingrained in me by my father that have greatly benefited my approach to life and career.
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
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| Service - It's in Our Hands |
Please realize that the time you spend serving others, in this case your country, is the most rewarding. Though you may not see it at the time, serving others is always rewarding. You may not see reward in dollars or power, but you will find great reward in the building of your character and in the betterment of the lives of the others you touch by your service. In my estimation, ones internal character is of paramount importance to the way in which you conduct yourself in your personal life, and in how you treat others. No matter what happens in your life, your character cannot be negatively altered unless you allow it to be.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
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| TWS and the US MARINES |
Togetherweserved.com has enabled me to find and re-connect with several friends from my Marine Corps days that I thought I had lost contact with forever. Although I may never see any of these people again in this lifetime, I can converse with them through this forum and relive the days of my youth with the help of their collective memories. Not only that, but I can also keep abreast of and share in the joys and tears of their current lives, as they may also share in mine.
There is one piece of advice I'd like to give all other members of TWS who might read this. You may take it or leave it. Please, if you join, please, prepare your profile in such a way that those who might have known you are able to contact you. I have had a few occasions where I found old friends on the TWS web-site but have not been able to get in touch with them. Maybe this was of their own choosing, I don't know. But once again, please, take the time and effort to make it possible for old friends to contact you. If they could contact you, it would make their day.
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TWS VOICES
TWS Voices are the personal stories of men and women who served in the US Military and convey how serving their Country has made a positive impact on their lives. If you would like to participate in a future edition of Voices, or know someone who might be interested, please contact TWS Voices HERE.
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