{"id":5898,"date":"2022-04-26T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-26T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/azadkinsiii.com\/blog\/?p=5898"},"modified":"2022-04-26T09:23:16","modified_gmt":"2022-04-26T13:23:16","slug":"116-a-veterans-bond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/azadkinsiii.com\/blog\/116-a-veterans-bond\/","title":{"rendered":"#116\u2014A Veteran\u2019s \u201cBond\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Who said, “Stay away from negative people; they have a problem for every solution.”<\/em>? <\/li>
  2. In what movie (and who said it) did we hear, “The old ways are sometimes the best.”<\/em>?<\/li>
  3. Who sang (and what song) the following lyrics?
    See the tree, how big it’s grown But friend it hasn’t been too long
    It wasn’t big
    I laughed at her and she got mad, The first day that she planted it
    Was just a twig
    Then the first snow came and she ran out To brush the snow away
    So it wouldn’t die
    Came runnin’ in all excited, Slipped and almost hurt herself
    And I laughed till I cried<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n
    <\/div>
    Blog #116 (Audio)<\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>

    Listen to the audio of this blog, read by Andy Adkins. Click the \u201cAudio<\/strong><\/em>\u201d button below.<\/p>\n<\/div>

    <\/div>Audio by Andy Adkins<\/a><\/div><\/form><\/span>1<\/span> Download<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    In my last blog (\u201cBlog #115\u2014Never Forget\u2026<\/a><\/em><\/strong>,\u201d posted April 12), I wrote about my father\u2019s experience in April 1945\u2026 during World War II\u2026 when his division (80th Infantry Division<\/strong>) came across several concentration camps in Germany. A gruesome discovery, to say the least, but it\u2019s one of those things that veterans never forget, nor should they.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This week, a little lighter post. Meaningful, at least, to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    I recently attended my first \u201cBook Festival\u201d as an author. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Andy
    Sunshine State Book Festival – 2022. “When I smile, my eyes close.”<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    I\u2019ve written several books, self-published most of them, but since the exhibit \u201cbooth\u201d (i.e., a shared table) was only $25, I figured I\u2019d take a chance and see what hawking<\/em> my books might bring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First, let me share that I casually \u201cmentioned\u201d on my social media sites that \u201cif I can sell just 12 more books, then my CPA tells me I can retire.<\/em>\u201d That was a weak<\/em> attempt at humor, since I\u2019m already retired (at least, today).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I\u2019ll be honest\u2026 it\u2019s a good thing I\u2019m already <\/em>retired because I didn\u2019t sell nearly enough books to meet that goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I had a great time, though. The Sunshine State Book Festival<\/strong> had been postponed twice because of COVID. But the organizers rescheduled it at the local Gainesville Mall. Over the six hours I had my booth set up, I think it was a decent turnout\u2014probably 50-60 people stopped by: some to browse, others to chat. But my booth buddy told me, it was a \u201cbust.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Regardless, I met many people, most of whom were also veterans. Several were Navy veterans. Lo-and-behold, three of them had also been stationed in Guam\u2014a few years after my time (\u201973-75). Nonetheless, we reminisced about NAS Agana, Guam<\/strong>, downtown Agana, the enlisted men\u2019s club on base, and numerous other \u201cadventures\u201d we shared while on Guam, both on base as well as outside. We all agreed it was a great duty station. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I also met several Vietnam War<\/strong> veterans\u2014both Army and Marine. A couple of them took the time to share a few in-country experiences. Even though I\u2019ve never set foot in Vietnam, there was definitely a connection between us veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Service & Discharge<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    I spent four years in the Navy with two (or three, if you count the shipyards) tours. My first was NAS Agana, Guam<\/a>, where I worked with Crash & Rescue<\/strong>. I was in Guam for 15 months, the longest time I\u2019d ever spent away from home. At the tender age of 18, I was just learning how the world worked, and enlisting in the Navy was by far the best decision I\u2019d ever made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After Guam, I transferred to an aircraft carrier and spent 2\u00bd years aboard USS Kitty Hawk<\/em><\/strong> (CV-63). I worked on the flight deck in V-1 Division<\/strong>. When I first arrived, Lt. Robert Leone<\/strong>, the V-1 Division Officer, assigned me to Crash & Salvage<\/a><\/strong>, headed up by the Air Bos\u2019n, CWO2 Tyrone Robuck<\/strong>. I arrived in March 1975, close to the \u201cofficial\u201d end of the Vietnam War. We left in May for the six-month Westpac \u201975<\/a><\/strong> cruise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Andy Adkins (USS Kitty Hawk) at bottom of dry dock. Bremerton Shipyards – 1976.
    (Click to enlarge)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    After returning to the states in December 1975, I went home for a brief Christmas vacation, then drove back from Florida to San Diego with my good friends Brack Barker<\/strong> & John Sideris<\/strong>. Kitty Hawk<\/em> moved to the Bremerton Shipyards<\/a><\/strong> in March 1976 for a one-year overhaul, retrofitting for the new F-14 Tomcat<\/strong> fighters and the new S-3 Viking<\/strong> ASW jets. There were also a few other modifications made, but that year in Bremerton was also a great year for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When we returned to San Diego, I transferred from Crash to Fly3 <\/strong> to become a Yellow Shirt director<\/a><\/strong> (#36). That was just as fun, if not more challenging, than working with Crash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Long story short, I left Kitty Hawk<\/em> on July 8, 1977, after spending Three Years, Eleven Months, and 29 Days<\/a> <\/strong>in the Navy (I actually wrote a book with that title).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I can honestly tell you that when I walked off Kitty Hawk\u2019s<\/em> afterbrow in San Diego that hot July day, I was done <\/em>with the Navy, done<\/em> with the ship, and ready to move on to my next \u201cjourney.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the time, I didn\u2019t really “feel” like a veteran, other than someone who\u2019d spent 4 years in the service. I did, however, take advantage of the GI Bill, which helped me finish college. I applied for, but apparently didn\u2019t need, a VA mortgage loan. I\u2019m sure there were other veteran benefits available back then, but I didn\u2019t take advantage of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hiring Veterans<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    After college and after a few years in the work force, I started my own computer consulting business. I think it was during those years (I was in my early 30s) that I began to not only respect other veterans but also realize there were many veterans out there who\u2019d put in more time and in many cases, experienced more \u201cchallenges\u201d than I did during my short 4-year Navy career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As a legal technology consultant, I met many lawyers who were also veterans. After their service, they returned to finish college, like I did, but became lawyers, like my father did after WWII.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I almost immediately experienced that mutual respect that most veterans have for other veterans. Even though we may have served in different branches, all of us experienced boot camp and additional training. Some went to war, others did not. But we all served our country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When I became a \u201cmanager,\u201d (whatever that<\/em> is), I may have been a little <\/em>biased in my hiring practices. I\u2019d typically spend more time interviewing a veteran than others. Again, it may have been a little prejudiced, but I thought that if I were in their shoes, looking for a position, either entry-level or skilled, then I\u2019d want the person hiring me to know I served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It may not have been a big deal to others, but it was to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yes, I\u2019ll admit that sometimes I hired a veteran who didn\u2019t work out like I\u2019d hoped, but I never looked back on that decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When I was consulting with lawyers, I\u2019d often seek out anyone who served, just to share a few stories. It was a connection… or a “bond.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I always told firms that hired me two things: one, I was a truly independent<\/em> consultant, meaning I didn\u2019t make any commission or referral fees by my recommendations (computer hardware, software, or services) and two, if they hired me as a consultant and didn\u2019t like my recommendations they could fire me\u2026 I still <\/em>had a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Confidence of a Veteran\u2026<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    I have a good friend, who I didn\u2019t know during my time in the Navy. But it turns out when I first met him, he\u2019d just retired as a Captain from a naval career and was the Executive Director of a large law firm in Florida. He\u2019d been a Navy pilot and actually had a few recoveries aboard Kitty Hawk<\/em>. After interviewing with him at the firm, he hired me as a consultant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Several years later, he\u2019d transferred to another firm in Maine (from Florida to Maine\u2026 who\u2019d a thunk?) He called me in again to help with his firm, where he was the Executive Director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Several years after that, he\u2019d again<\/em> transferred to another large firm in West Virginia. Again<\/em>, I spent time with him and the firm as a consultant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And\u2026 one more\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When I \u201cretired\u201d from UFLaw (Legal Technology Institute<\/strong>), he asked if I might be interested in becoming the West Virginia firm\u2019s CIO (Chief Information Officer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let me pause here for a quick moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In my 25 years consulting with over 300 law firms around the country, a few \u201coffered\u201d me a position as the IT Director or IT Manager. I\u2019d come home and, over dinner, ask my wife, \u201cWhat would you think if we moved to Chicago\u2026 or New York\u2026 or Boston… or Raleigh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Each time it was, thanks, but no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Imagine the dinner conversation Becky & I had when I came home and asked, \u201cWhat would you think of moving to West Virginia?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Long story short, we spent four awesome years in West Virginia. A great law firm and experience for me. The firm grew from 220 to 350 attorneys, from 10 offices in 4 states to 15 in 6 states, and an IT department from 12 staff to 25. One of my greatest “journeys.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We loved our time there as well as the state and took advantage of living in four seasons. Keep in mind, Florida has two: \u201cgreen and brown.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And yes, while at the firm, I hired veterans, some of which are still there (I left in 2015).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Veteran Respect<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \"Army<\/a>
    Army Rangers (2006) – rappelling down with “wounded” soldier.
    Photo credit: Andy Adkins
    (Click to enlarge)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Like many of my \u201cbaby boomer\u201d friends, my father served during World War II in Europe, as did my wife\u2019s father. Both were officers. My dad was a mortar platoon leader in a Heavy Weapons company (317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Division). My father-in-law was in the 82nd Airborne Division and dropped into Normandy on D-Day. I\u2019ve written several blogs about them both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Those were my immediate <\/em>ties to the Army\u2026 at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I\u2019ve attended several reunions of the 80th Division Veterans Association<\/strong> and the 507th Airborne Infantry Regiment<\/strong>. Getting to know my dad\u2019s buddies and my FIL\u2019s buddies was a special treat for me and one that I’ll never forget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During one of reunions, I witnessed the Army Ranger Graduation Ceremony at Fort Benning, GA. Watching the demonstrations, especially those involving rappelling down a four-story wall with a wounded soldier was amazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Even more amazing, I watched a helo pick up four Rangers, all \u201chooked in,\u201d and hauled away\u2026 while dangling from a rope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Army<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Army<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    I discovered a new set of heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sure, we banter around and joke between the branches\u2026 heck, I even slip in a few Navy, Army, & Marine jokes on my \u201cNavy Friday Funny<\/strong>\u201d posts. But in the long run, I respect all who served. It was a commitment we made, though I know some of my high school friends in the early \u201870s were drafted and didn\u2019t really have a choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Even so, there\u2019s an unwritten respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Personal Memory…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    There was that time\u2026 years ago\u2026 when I first arrived onboard Kitty Hawk<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During my first at sea period out on the flight deck, I still wore my blue utilities. Everyone else wore GI trousers. I learned the hard lesson about oils, fuels, and dirt on the flight deck, especially during flight ops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My good friend, Smitty walked me over to a warehouse on the San Diego pier after coming back into port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Inside were dozens of pallets of neatly stacked green GI shirts and trousers, all laid out by size. I picked out several pairs of trousers, thanked the supply sergeant, and walked out. It wasn\u2019t until I got back onto the flight deck, wearing my new trousers, when Smitty & Mac let me know what an honor it was to wear the uniform of a fallen warrior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I had no clue, but after that\u2026 my respect-o-meter for Vietnam veterans shot through the roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I\u2019m At That Age\u2026<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    I feel this veteran bond is stronger now than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This \u201cbond\u201d is something you can\u2019t see or hear or touch. It comes from your heart, your emotions, your feelings. When I see a fellow veteran wearing a ball cap, I look twice to see if it\u2019s Navy and if so, what ship. If it\u2019s Army, I still make eye contact and express my respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I don\u2019t dare to compare my experiences with others. But sometimes others want to share their memories and, to be honest, I\u2019m okay with that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While we may try<\/em> to forget, we realize we\u2019ll never forget<\/em>. That\u2019s the \u201cBond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kitty Hawk<\/em> 2022 Reunion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    In early June, a bunch of us Kitty Hawk<\/em> veterans will gather in San Diego<\/strong> to reminisce, share old stories (some true\u2026 some not-so-true<\/em>), and renew acquaintances. I only know a few of these guys, but I feel like I know them all. I\u2019ve probably met a few during previous reunions\u2014either the bi-annual reunion, the decommission ceremony<\/a> or the smaller get-togethers<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"
    Kitty Hawk<\/em> mini-reunion, San Diego
    August 2021.
    Photo credit: Jared Adkins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    We\u2019re all birds of a feather, so to speak. The main commonality is that even though we came from different parts of the country, different backgrounds, and served different years, we were all \u201craised\u201d by the same noble lady: USS Kitty Hawk<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We shared many of the same experiences, different times and different places, but we all have the same types of memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the end of the reunion, when we \u201cwalk off the afterbrow & salute the flag,\u201d so to speak, we\u2019ll return to our normal lives. But I, for one, know I\u2019ll be enriched by those few days spent with fellow shipmates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Until we meet again,
    Andy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Answers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Albert Einstein.<\/li>
    2. Skyfall <\/em><\/strong>(2012), Kincade (Albert Finney). <\/li>
    3. Honey<\/em><\/strong> (1968), Bobby Goldsboro; written by Bobby Russell<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Previous posts mentioned in this blog:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n