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I was discharged from the USN in 1989. My readjustment back to civilian life was difficult. Notwithstanding, I completed a 4 year Business degree. I involved myself in all kinds of continuing education and community volunteerism. Currently, I am an advocate for veterans. Visit my LinkedIn page for in depth information.
Military Experiences
May 1985 - Sep 1989
DT3 Assistant
Worked in all phases of dentistry. Selected for Command training for Chemical, Biological, and Gas Warfare medical support personnel.
Apr 1983 - Feb 1985
Seaman
As a non-designated Seaman striker, I served my tour of duty as a striking dental assistant. As a member of the dental department, I was designated to go on the beach of Beirut with the corpsman and dental personnel to recover the fallen Marines who fell victims to the Barracks bombing on Beirut beach. Before we were dispatched, insurgents from the beach launched rocket fire against the ship. For three days and three nights 5000 souls waited for help. Finally, the New Jersey battleship and the new class submarine Ticonderoga came roaring in the nick of time. We had drifted 5 miles in towards the beach. I became an overnight adult in those days waiting to see if we lived or died. My life never returned to its' naive existence.
During this tour of duty my ship cruised the Med.
Dec 1983
Seaman Command Representative
Members from each department on the ship were selected to be transported to the mansion of the Mayor if Nice, France for a dinner party to represent Sixth Fleet, as we were the Flag Ship. In the Navy, a dream came true for me. The actress who played the original Chris Brooks on the Young and the Restless soap opera was married to him. I recognized her the moment she entered the formal dining room. I sucked up all the air in the room. She revived me by sitting beside me. I was the only one who recognized her! That was a lively dinner. I got my autograph first. The Mayor was the second star of the evening. Oops! :). I have no doubt the Admiral and the Commanding Officer heard all about it. That was a great experience for me. It eased my fear of being alone for the first time in my life.
Deployments
(1 year, 11 months)Apr 1983 - Feb 1985
Italy
USS Puget Sound AD-38, was homeported in Gaeta, Italy and made Med Cruises. She was the Sixth Fleet Flag Ship and a part of the Multi-National Peacekeeping Force Beirut, Lebanon. While on a peacekeeping mission to Beirut to recover the fallen Marines, we were fired upon declaring war on the US.
The ship cruised Spain, France, Yugoslavia, Lebanon
Military Credentials
Professional Development Schools
Oct 1982 - Oct 1986
First Good Conduct Award
Feb 1985 - Apr 1985
Dental Assistant 'A' School, San Diego, CA
Feb 1985
Letter of Commendation
Apr 1983 - Feb 1985
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Individual & Special Skill Schools
Apr 1983
Beginner Swimmer
Apr 1983
Overseas HomePort School
Certifications
1986
First Good Conduct Award
1985
Dental Assistant Basic 'A' School
1983
Shotgun and .45 Caliber Qualification
1983
Shipboard Damage Control Certification
Foreign Language Skills
2013
Spanish (3+/3+)
1984
Italian (2/3)
1976
French (2/3+)
Additional Specialization(s)
Security Clearance
Other
Academic Degrees
Academic Degrees
1995 - 1997
North Carolina Central University
BBA - Bachelor's Business Administration and Management, Computer Information Systems
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