Mmmmmm!
Okay, here we go.
Enlisted in the Coast Guard January 1965. Went to Boot Camp in Cape May, New Jersey. Company was Bravo 57. After 16 weeks of pure joy of being degraded, (and all the better for it), I moved on to Groton, CT to continue my education. Started out to be an Electronics Technician, but preferred my real love, Guns, explosives, etc.
I managed to become a Gunner's Mate, and was sent right back to Cape May to be a range instructor, and part time DI.
The long and short of it. Enlisted as an E1, retired after 28 years as a CWO4, (Weps). I would have stayed in forever, but Warrants have to retire at 30. Someone offered me a job at 28, and I took it. I offered to come back in on 9/12/2001. They told me I was too old. (Ouch) Such is life.
Semper Paratus,
Gunner
Remember when you gave me that little note from Brad and asked me to pass it along to Ev?
Well, I did....and here is his response!
"Hey Brad, good to hear from you. I don't actually get up into Iraq very much, but rest assured it gets very hot in Kuwait too. Yesterday it got up to 126 degrees, but since it's a dry heat it isn't so bad and you get used to it over time. Also there are air conditioners everywhere here, even in the Hummvees, so there's ample opportunity to cool off.
It was the 4th of July yesterday, my personal favorite holiday. Highlights included some Arab guy giving camel rides down by the PX and a barbecue. Sadly fireworks are a no-go over here because they would tend to sound like mortars going off.. a very uncool thing 18 miles away from the border. So instead tomorrow I'm going out to the .50 cal. Ma Deuce range to celebrate in my own way.
I would like to bring you some sand, but unfortunately U.S. customs has a problem with that. I don't entirely understand why that would be, i've had the stuff blown into every part of my body every day for the last 8 months and I'm just fine, but the bureaucrats will do what they will. So barring any top secret operations, i will be leaving all of the sand as i found it.
Thanks for writing- Spc. S****** "(Ev).
Thank you for your service to our country!!
Thanks for your service to your country weps4ret!
ms.B