Today, April 29th, is officially my last day in the United States Navy. I joined April 29, 2001 after a friend of mine at Sprint, Mike Macias, introduced me to the Reserves. At the time, I was 38 and needed to sign an age waiver to get in (cut-off is 36). I was still in good shape and knew I could compete physically with anyone in the Navy.
My oldest daughter, Erin, had entered the Navy a year earlier and her mother and I were separated and looking at divorce. I had always wanted to go into the military and I thought, "if I don't do it now, this will pass me by and I won't get another chance." My grandfather, Melvin 
Lusby, had flown in the Air Force during WWII, my then Father-in-Law Ed Becker had been a Corpman during the Korean War, my dad, Marden "Curlee" Elkins was enlisted in the Air Force during Vietnam stationed in CA, my brother Jeff had spent time in Germany while in the Army and my brother Derek had enlisted in the Air Force - this was my time.
Lusby, had flown in the Air Force during WWII, my then Father-in-Law Ed Becker had been a Corpman during the Korean War, my dad, Marden "Curlee" Elkins was enlisted in the Air Force during Vietnam stationed in CA, my brother Jeff had spent time in Germany while in the Army and my brother Derek had enlisted in the Air Force - this was my time.My intent was to go 20 years (I would have been 58 when I was able to retire) and then two years later have access to that retirement. Funny how your perspective changes as you get older.
Looking back over my short Navy Career:
- I enlisted for 8 years (April 29, 2001) as an Information Technology Specialist (the old Radioman), Petty Officer 3rd Class
- I was still in Navy Indoctrination when 911 happened
- Attended Reserve bootcamp at Great Lakes, IL in January 2002
- I joined Military Sealift Command, ROK (Republic of Korea) following bootcamp
- I transferred to Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 114 in October 2002 after I got tired of sitting in a classroom during my Reserve weekends - this is NOT why I joined the Navy
- MIUWU 114 was given orders to deploy to the Middle East (Kuwait/Iraq) right after I joined. I needed 30 drills INCONUS (inside the continental US) to deploy with the unit - I spent the next 30 days at Whiteman AFB getting my time in - THIS is why I joined the military!
- We processed into active duty in San Diego before heading to Kuwait for staging 12/5/2002
- We moved into Iraq two days after the war began to secure the port of UmmQasar for the humanitarian ship to offload their supplies and send them to Baghdad via railway. We took fire from a pair of snipers as we were entering the town
- I returned home from my first tour in early June, 2003
- I participated in war-games in South Korea in March, 2005
- I returned for my 2nd tour to Kuwait for a 14 month deployment in March, 2006 - this was nothing more than a babysitting assignment...very unproductive!
- I leave the Navy with 16 ribbons/medals, numerous commendations and an Expeditionary Warfare pin. I leave as an E5, Petty Officer 2nd Class
I have enjoyed the Navy. I have made some life-long friends who would do anything for me. This time in my life has taught me a respect for our country, our freedom and what America was founded upon - Service to Country! As I continue through my life, I will foster the mantra of the Navy and walk it in my daily life: Honor, Courage, Commitment!
Hoo Yah!
2 comments:
Thanks for serving, sharing the story, and selfishly, for being such a great friend for so many years.
On another note - the Country Music Marathon ran this past weekend and the temps go into the 80s. It was a hot day for the runners. I was in CA, but knew many who ran. We need to get together again.
Yes we do need to get together again! When is the next opportunity for you to be in KC - I thought all of us (you, James, Chuck & myself)could take in a game...maybe take your dad over to the small field behind the concessions and throw at him for awhile! :o)
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