I began my service in July of 81' after having been in the "Delayed Entry Progam" during my high school years.I had entered at a time when things were a little bit sketchy and the shores of Grenada, Beirut, and Lebenan were being scrutinized by American officials. For I was now entered into what is known as the "Cold War" era. I was young and did not forsee a college education in my near future and opted to get an education, and job in the Armed Forces of the United States, ready and willing to protect what assets our nation felt were necessary, and to go wherever the Commander in Chief felt the need to send our military forces. Fortunately, I was not needed for extended periods on foriegn soils and seas, and spent the majority of my active duty on American soil and getting an education, however remained ready and on standby for the call.
I was fortunate enough to see a large portion of the United States from coast to coast, having met thousands of individuals standing at the ready as well. I gained experiences that I would not have otherwise, and am forever greatful to have made the decision to serve my country. Thats the beauty of our democracy...I had a choice!
I had participated in the DEP for two years, and had taken a few trips to area Naval Bases, NH. and ME. trying to figure out just what it was that I had wanted to become. I had always had an interest in being a paramedic, and was a volunteer EMT at the time, and so I opted for the Hospital Corps.
1983 married my first wife, and had a son Nathan Ryan in 1984
( My basic service record )
Recruit Training: RTC, Great Lakes, Il. 30 July 81' - 11 Sept. 81'
Company 81-239, Co.Cmdr. BT1 W.A. Odell
Basic Hospital Corps.School: NRMC. Great Lakes, Il. Oct.81' - Dec.81'
Was given the opportunity and privilage of being Honor Color Guard
Field Medical School, USMC, Camp Lejeune, NC. 08 Jan 81' - 12 Feb.82'
( I got to play Grunt for a while )
"Semper Fi"
~FMF~
(Fleet Marine Force)
Field Training
Caption on my Helmet
"Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost Too"
These guys are all Corpsman too...
Naval Regional Medical Ctr. (NRMC)
Portsmouth, VA. Feb 82' - Oct.82' Hospital Supply Dept. and patient services, Ambulance Attendant, and volunteer rescue services for Ashcake Volunteer Services.
Other duties as assigned.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Norfolk,VA.
Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam, Houston, TX. Oct. 82' - Dec. 82'
Neuropsychiatry Specialist
Class-C school, Phase-1
Naval School of Health Sciences, San Diego,CA. Dec. 82' - 11 Feb. 83'
Neuropsychiatry Specialists
Class-C school, Phase 2
Graduated 7th overall academic performance.
NRMC. Newport, RI. Feb.83' till Discharged.
Psychiatric Ward - E,
duties as a specialist, and as specified.
(1984 )
USS. New Jersey( BB 62 )
Iowa Class
( assigned alert status, wth FMF 24 hour standby for deployment with 2ND. Mar Div.)
Beirut, Lebanon Deployment
15 Corpsmen lost their lives during the bombing of the Headquarters and in the aftermath.
Visit the Memorial site
On February 8, 1984 she fired 288 rounds into the surrounding hills to effectively knock out Syrian anti-aircraft missile sites,
remained on station with the Sixth Fleet for six more months in support of U.S Marines in the Multi-National Defense Force,
and in May, 1984, eleven months after departure, NEW JERSEY returned home
- - - - -
Upon return to American waters, from NRMC Newport, RI was discharged from Active Duty Service.
(use of graphic)
"Doc"
My career was shorter than I would have liked, but other life events dictated my decision to terminate any furthur active duty service. Still to this day I would more than willingly step forward and serve my country again, should the need arise and our Commander in Chief were to ask. I am proud to be a former sailor, and honor the privilage of serving my country.
I would like to thank Dawn for this wonderful background, if anyone else is looking for a military background please pay her a visit as she has most all branches available.
bravenet.com
