hen and why did you decide to join the military and where were you located when you made this decision?

After Pearl Harbor was attacked, I joined the NROTC at Glendale Community College in Glendale, CA

Where did you serve during your time in uniform?

The Navy moved me to various training sites and to continue my college education. After training was complete, I was assigned as an ensign on a tanker in the China Sea.

What were some of your key memories during your time of service? 

At one point, we docked in Shanghai, China and as an officer I was sent to round up the enlisted sailors to return to our ship. Some of the sailors were heavily inebriated and not interested in returning to the ship. I removed my side arm and fired into the air to encourage them to return which worked.

Additionally, I got a reputation as not the best officer to be tasting the food before serving as my standards for food were low. The men complained that the quality was not good, but my mother was a terrible cook and I grew up eating whatever was served.

What is an important value that you took away from your military experience? 

I loved being at sea and enjoyed my time operating the ship. This love of the sea,I carried forward and continued to take every opportunity to return to ships as a retired naval officer.

 What advice would you give someone interested in joining the military? 

It’s not about you, it’s about service to the country. Focus on how you can work with others to complete the mission.