At the age of 14, I had a neighbor who was an electrician in a Submarine Reserve Unit at Cleveland, Ohio. He asked if I would like to take a tour of the Submarine that they had. (it was the USS Cod (SS-224). I went on the tour and knew from that moment on that I wanted be an electrician on a submarine. (strange huh…..) At the age of 17, I joined the Navy Reserve Submarine Division 4-92, Cleveland, Ohio (1962.) Sometime in July of 62, our Reserve unit went to Norfolk, Va. for an orientation cruise on the USS Sea Owl (SS-405). That was all it took, I was hooked. The crew of the Sea Owl treated all these young submarine hopefuls with respect and showed interest with the many questions that we asked. The Crew of the Sea Owl were directly responsible for the initial shaping of many new Naval careers. (For that, I thank you Sea Owl)

I went to a 2-Week Sub Course 12 Aug. 62, Class # 12-62 (Reserve's went through this course for mental tests, physical tests, the pressure chamber and the tower.) I went to the "real" sub school Jun. 63, Class 282. I went to EM-A School, Class 2315 7 Oct. 63, Great Lakes.

I reported to the USS Atule (SS-403) Key West, Fla., Mar of 64. I re-enlisted into the Active Duty Navy, 15-Apr-65. (With my re-enlistment bonus, I bought my first Corvette, a 63 roadster) Made a Med trip in 64, I was awarded my Dolphins in 65. (For Tim Spoons memories, I "dranked" my Dolphins at the Gate Bar, Key West, Fla.) Made the Unitas VI trip. Received the "Order of the Locks", for going the Panama Canal. Became a "Shellback" for passing the Equator. I made a Gitmo Trip in 66. I truly loved my experiences on the Atule, some better than others, I but they all helped a young boy grow into a man.

I volunteered for Viet Nam. I sold my 63 Vette. I bought a Triumph TR6 motorcycle, don't ask why. Glenn Keiffer reported aboard the Atule during that time period. I looked upon him as a good friend. His greatest trait was, "he was fun". I wish that I could only have been as good of friend to him as he was to me.

I departed the Atule 15 Dec 67 and reported aboard the Trigger (SS-564) on 9 Jan 68. The Trigger was in the Shipyard and was not going to sea for some time. I never did go to sea on the Trigger because my "old volunteer for Viet Nam action" orders caught up with me. I served in Viet Nam with the Armed Forces Police. I was discharged in 1972.

I went to Kent State University, Kent, Ohio. (Majored in Industrial Engineering), wasn't a good place for a Viet Nam Vet. I went to University of Arizona, (Majored Computer Science).  I bought a 66 Corvette Coupe in 88, sold it in 89. Bought a 76 Corvette in 94, sold it in 95.

I became goofy and joined the Air Force Reserves. I was a Flight Engineer on C-141's and C-5's. I flew for 15 years and was caught up with Desert Shield/Desert Storm for my last military hurrah. I officially retired from military service on April. 28, 2005.

I worked for General Motors in Ohio (the old Vega Plant). I worked for Magma Copper Company in Arizona. I now work for the "government" at Travis AFB, Ca. I now have a 95 Torch Red, six speed Corvette.

(Update:) I retired from Federal Civil Service (Travis AFB, Ca.) on the 29 of April 2005 and relocated to Comanche, Texas.  I have a small horse ranch and plan to fish a little.