#173—Cruisin’ … It’s Not the Same

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) port side view sunset.

Becky & I recently returned from a vacation in Alaska, part of which included a 7-day cruise from Seward (Anchorage) down the inside passage to Vancouver. While we’d taken several cruises before (including one from Vancouver north to Seward), they’d… Read more#173—Cruisin’ … It’s Not the Same

Navy Friday Funny – Gunny & the Senior Chief

Each military branch of the United States has its own cultures, language, and traditions. In the Navy, the Chief Petty Officer serves a dual role as both a technical expert and as a leader; emphasis being more on leadership. There is always… Read moreNavy Friday Funny – Gunny & the Senior Chief

#172—Change of “Scenery” (Red to Yellow)

April 1977—USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)Somewhere off the Coast of California “Hey Chet… You ready for this?” I was sporting my new, brightly colored jersey… this one is yellow. My new “home” is no longer the Crash Crew, but now I’m… Read more#172—Change of “Scenery” (Red to Yellow)

#171—My First… Overseas Liberty Call

Thanks to those who commented on my previous blog, #170—An Honor & a Privilege.” Several comments were spot on and reminded me of things I’d forgotten. Here’s a few more shared “memories:” June 1975 – Somewhere in the Middle of… Read more#171—My First… Overseas Liberty Call

#170—An Honor and a Privilege

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) This year marks the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. My father-in-law, Dr. Rufus K. Broadaway, dropped into Normandy with the 82nd Airborne Division. My father, A. Z. Adkins, Jr., landed on Utah Beach the first week… Read more#170—An Honor and a Privilege

#169—Military Ball Caps… and Rocks

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) Memorial Day was only a few days ago. A day of remembering those who didn’t make it back. I took some time to myself, thought of those I served with who didn’t come back and… Read more#169—Military Ball Caps… and Rocks

#168—Memorial Day 2024… What it Means to THIS Veteran

Monday is Memorial Day. I’ve posted this article on Memorial Day for the past few years, with only a few slight changes. Why? Because it speaks volumes about how I personally feel about Memorial Day as a US Navy veteran…. Read more#168—Memorial Day 2024… What it Means to THIS Veteran

#167—The Navy Introduced Me to a Lot of “Firsts”

A-7 Corsair Ready for Launch

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) Boot Camp What can I say that others haven’t said about “Boot Camp?” I joined the Navy at the tender young age of 18 and attended a “truncated” 6-week boot camp at Orlando RTC (Recruit… Read more#167—The Navy Introduced Me to a Lot of “Firsts”

#166—The Day I “accidentally” Made 30 Kids Cry

Gainesville Fire Department

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) I was (and still am) a Navy veteran… a proud Navy veteran. I spent 4 years in the Navy (’73-77) as an Aviation Boatswains Mate-Handler. Most of that time was as a Crash firefighter. I… Read more#166—The Day I “accidentally” Made 30 Kids Cry

#165—Back Then, I Could Sleep Anywhere

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) My dad wrote in his diary, “You Can’t Get Much Closer Than This…” about sleeping in foxholes during World War II in Europe. Not occasionally, mind you, but most of his time over there. Except… Read more#165—Back Then, I Could Sleep Anywhere