My Military Service Story
I joined the Navy in April of 1996 after bootcamp I attended and graduated from NATTC(Naval Aviation Technical Training Center) Millington, Tennessee as an Aviation Electronics Technician. From Tennessee we moved to Whidbey Island, Washington to work at Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron 69(VP-69) where I became a multi-system inspector and Production Supervisor as a Petty Officer Third Class(E-4).
I then continued my service with another Sea Duty tour to Anti-Submarine Squadron 65(VP-65) at Pt. Mugu, California. I again became an inspector on ASW(Anti-Submarine Warfare) equipment. Still, proving my adaptability. There was a need for a Technician and inspector on the AN/USM-449(Automated Test System) Bench. I learned and became proficient to fulfill that need.
I finally was given Shore Duty and an Instructor School and was sent to Navy Operational Support Center(NOSC) San Jose, California.There I was an Instructor for General Military Training. While serving on Shore Duty, I was pulled to serve during the “Surge” in Iraq during 2007-2008. Attached to Task Force Hurricane with Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar 3(CRAM-3) as an Operator on the Phalanx Weapons System.
After San Jose I served in multiple Helicopter Squadrons on North Island(HSC-85, HSC-21 and HSC-3) in a supervisory capacity. I ended my career at NOSC North Island as the Mobilization Supervisor.
In order for the Navy, or any other branch of the military to be self sufficient. We all have to learn to put on many different hats. You are not just a Sailor, Soldier, Airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman. You are a Financial Counselor, Career Counselor, Facilities Supervisor. You also have the Watch; you are on call when everyone else is sleeping or away on holiday. You are that first and central point of contact. You are expected to know the answers or know how to find them. So, it goes without saying that during my time in the military I have worked in many other capacities.
Drug and Alcohol Advisor - Assisted members with drug and alcohol issues, providing resource referrals, continued
assistance with documented meetings and encouraging mandated follow-ups with
specialists.
Safety Supervisor - Ensuring the Command is complying with all safety protocols including OSHA regulations.
Drug Analysis Coordinator - Enforced the United States Navy's Zero Tolerance for Drug policy is strictly adhered to.
Government Travel Charge Card Coordinator - Closely monitoring transactions
and working with a civilian banking institution.
I have provided numerous other duties during my career. I would proudly do it all over if asked to.
Upon my retirement from military service. I tried to obtain employment. However, it proved to be difficult. I received a lot of “nos”. Yet, there was one place in particular who said no that stuck with me. The job was to manage an office of about five to eight people.When I called the hiring official to inquire where in my resume that I fell short in their hiring process. I was told that I didn’t have a Bachelors Degree.
I immediately applied and was accepted to Azusa Pacific University. Where I obtained a Bachelors in Science in Organizational Leadership. I then thought to myself that I didn’t want anyone to tell me that I didn’t have a Masters Degree. So I went back to Azusa Pacific University and achieved my Masters of Arts in Organizational Studies.
Still, I found it difficult to find work. I was given an opportunity as a Slot Technician at a local casino. However, I aggravated an old injury and I had to have surgery for the third time on the same spot. I couldn’t go back to work like I used to after that and now have a service dog to assist me.