ME IN THE MILITARY

I joined the United States Navy in 1993. I went to boot camp in Orlando, Florida.  My first command was the USS Yellowstone. A destroyer tender, carrying approximately 1,500 people.  It was a small city aboard this vessel. An boy was it a lot of fun. I met my (ex) husband on this ship, and luckily he was getting ready to get out of the military, so we didn't have to worry about being separated. Later, I went to Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey on our tour in 1994 after completing training in Cuba.  The worst part about the whole trip was being in the engine room in 120*, if not higher, everyday.  Yes, I played down in those dirty places, and enjoyed it actually.  I learned a lot. I went joined the military to become an electrician- but unfortunately that isn't what I came out as.  While on board, I was only taught what they wanted me to learn. After all of that- I got bored- but in need for more education. After returning from the Med I learned that I had a medical condition in my back, which made it very difficult to stand the watches and perform many of my other duties.  So, I was transferred to shore duty.  This is where I found my calling for the good ole computer.  I was told that I had 2 weeks to learn to use one, for the girl I was replacing was leaving soon. After a year of working for the Civil Engineer at NOB Norfolk, I became pregnant with my first child. Which meant what? I get to stay on shore duty... YEAH!!! After delivering my wonderful son I had only six months left before I would have to return to a ship- which they wanted to send me to, what I recall was, the USS Wabash.  Well, I couldn't leave my son and I knew my back wouldn't hold up so I elected to get out. And luckily, it was at the end of my 4 year obligation of service.  But in those 4 years, I got to see parts of the world I only dreamed about, met many different people of different back grounds and cultures. And most importantly, I proved to myself, among those who said I would never amount to anything, that I could do it and I can succeed if I put my mind to anything I desire.  I left the US Navy as a Yeoman Third Class. I studied hard and passed all my tests, to be selected.  I can say I'm proud of myself.