I have always had an interest in aviation. For that reason, I thought I would join the Air Force. My dad was a Korean War-era Air Force veteran. He suggested the service as a way to pay for college. I joined the Navy as a cryptologic technician. I served on three ships and at four shore stations. As it turned out, I was continuing a family tradition. My dad's three brothers were all in the Navy during World War II. My wife is also a Navy retiree, having served in the Nurse Corps. Her grandfather was a retired Navy lieutenant junior grade.

Jim Jones, Post 124, Walhalla, S.C.