My dad was an active-duty naval officer when I finished college, so I'd grown up seeing the lifestyle, traveling the country and even living in the Panama Canal Zone. I wanted to see more of the world, and could do so in the Navy while also serving my country and getting paid for it. A win-win.

I went Supply Corps, like Dad, since I knew I would go to sea that way, on two or three ships over the years, and see ports all around the world, But I did not go with unrestricted line and make sea duty a career. I didn't want to be at sea that much, after probable marriage and family. Plus a ship, the Navy, kept me out of tents and bad weather - and had warm food and showers, unlike the Army and Marines. The Air Force was tempting, but needing glasses back then kept one from being a pilot, and I wanted to either fly the plane or not go Air Force. Navy it was. Many an adventure - as far north as Norway, and as far south as Antarctica. I stayed until I retired.

Dan Webb, American Legion Post 13, Wilson, N.C.