It was December of 1966 and I reported to Boot Camp N.T.C. in Great Lakes, IL. It was one of the coldest and snowy years. Usually we receive snow but this was the worst memory.

The Navy called it a snow watch and at that time N.T.C. was heated with coal. I learned that my life has changed, we had to go out every four hours to shovel the train tracks off as the train could not get into N.T.C. What an experience, here we are in a blowing blizzard with our undress uniform on and our bloused pants, which is what we called our boot, the boon Dockers were frozen as we were, and that great pea coat, which saved us. When we reported back into the barracks I learned another thing about the military, as I asked our Company Commander why must we do this? Well you know the answer to that one.

My Best memory of Boot Camp in 1966 was our Graduation Day. I felt as if I finally, in my young life, had accomplished something good. All the yelling, P.T. and sweat was worth it. I was in Company 726 N.T.C., Great Lakes, IL. My orders were read in December, so after graduation I was sent to VA 125 N.A.S., Alameda, CA and assigned to a training squadron for F.F.T. to VA 163. After asking many questions as to the Navy assignments, I had learned that VA 163 was an Attack Squadron being sent to a place called Vietnam. I was proud to get home and tell my family the news. I served four years and made E5 as a cook. I then transferred to the Navy Reserves a few years and later and retired in 2005 as a E8 with 32 years service. I did my 28 years of service with NMCB 25 SEABEES. A Great Team.