On this date in 1968 I arrived at RTC Great Lakes for navy boot camp. It was unknowingly, only the beginning of a 20 year tour. A great deal of pain, a truck load of fun, and a bunch of great friends and got to know some of the best sailors in the navy that I am proud to call "Shipmates". From a training squadron in Meridian, Miss that I hated so much I terminated shore duty and volunteered to be a door gunner in Vietnam, 6 cruises on various aircraft carriers (USS Ticonderoga/ USS Ranger / USS Constellation / USS Carl Vinson, to retirement at the best base in Naval Aviation... NAS Whidbey Island, WA. Was it all worth it?.....no doubt! NONE at all.