After graduating from St. Johnsbury Trade School in 1957, I spent six months living with a friend and his family in Los Angeles. Missing Vermont, I returned in 1958 and enrolled in a teachers college. By Thanksgiving, I “knew everything.” There wasn’t any employment in our area, so I joined the Navy in January 1959. I liked the idea of seeing the world. Having spent nearly three years in the Vermont National Guard and California National Guard, I entered the Navy as an E-3., which meant more money and being a platoon leader during basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill.

I served on USS Vermillion AKA 107 for one year in Norfolk, Va., and after making third class spent nearly three years onboard USS Plymouth Rock LSD 29 out of Little Creek, Va. A year later, I was promoted to damage controlman second class.

On my birthday, Oct. 24, 1962, while Plymouth Rock was participating in the Cuban blockade, President Kennedy extended all military personnel indefinitely. My projected discharge date was January 1963. I never heard one sailor complain about the extensions; we were so proud of our president for taking a stand. I went to the ship’s office to request the materials necessary for taking the first-class exams in February 1963. A few weeks later, the extensions were canceled, and I was discharged on my original date.

Having served in the Navy, I found myself. It was a tremendous experience. It taught me responsibility. It taught me that hard work has its rewards. I loved the Navy and would do it all over again. After working at the local newspaper for seven years, I made use of the GI Bill, enrolled at Vermont Technical College and graduated at the top of my class. I’ve been a land surveyor since 1973.