Age

51

Branch of Service

Navy

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Where did you serve?

Stationed: Dam Neck VA,  Served: Africa, Middle East, Europe

Why did you join?

Always wanted to serve in military was prior service I’m USMC

Why did you pick the service branch you joined?

I re-joined the Navy in 2008 because a guy I worked with was in and he went to Italy every year

Do you recall your first days in service?

I do recall my first days of boot camp. I thought what did I get myself into.

What was your job/assignment?

I am currently an MA (Master at Arms).

Were you awarded any medals? How did you get them?

I was awarded GWT (Expeditionary) and a JSAM for serving with all the other services. My mission is classified so I cannot go back to details

Were you deployed? If so, where did you go?  How Long?

To East and North Africa, Middle East and Europe for a year

Which war(s) <if any> did you serve in (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Second Congo War, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Desert Storm, Operation Freedom etc.)?

GWT

Do you remember arriving and what it was like?

I do remember going overseas and felt unsafe being an American in a Middle Eastern country. I felt like a target.

How did you stay in touch with your family/friends?

I communicated with my family via FaceTime.

Was there something special you did for “good luck”?

I kept a keepsake my daughter gave me before I left for good luck.

What did you do when on leave/ R&R?

When on R&R if I could I would drive the 8hrs home or just hang out with my boys and drink.

Do you recall the day your service ended?

The day my service ended I remember thinking how fast the 1 1/2 year deployment went.

What did you do in the days and weeks afterward, did you have any support?

I had plenty of support from my wife and family during and after my service.

Did you make any close friendships while in the service? Did you continue any of those friendships?

I did make some close friends during my service. I still am close with these people today.

Did you join a veteran’s organization?

I did not join any veterans groups.

What support helps you? What support do you want to see more of to help veterans or those returning from service?

I would like to see more help with veterans getting employment. It’s a big step for those who make a career out of the military to suddenly move to civilian life.

What can we do to spread awareness so others are not forgotten?

TV or radio adds would help getting the message out to veterans. Maybe even posting something at the VA hospitals too.

What stigma have you experienced or seen others experience of being a veteran?

PTSD is one that comes to mind.

Has this stigma stopped you from receiving services?

I know there are plenty of groups out there including the VA to help veterans. Nothing has stopped me from getting the help I need but for others some of who don’t even know that they need it or those who don’t want it, it’s a different story.