Fire Controlman 2nd Class
1st Sea Command USS Iwo Jima LHD7
2nd and present command PCU George H. W. Bush CVN 77
2 Deployments
2001-Present
On the day of 9-11-01, this was my day to sign my enlistment agreement and fly to boot camp. I was on the DEP (Delayed entry program) for many months prior to this date. Everything was going as planned, I was already in Richmond, VA by the 9th of September. We did our pre-screening and everything was in order to go. Passed everything with flying colors on the 10th. The 11th came around and it was go day. We were driven from our hotel in Richmond to the MEPs station and we arrived fairly early in the morning. At the time we arrived the first plane had already struck the 1st tower. We were concerned but nothing besides thinking that a horrible accident had crossed any of our minds. After 20 minutes of sitting and waiting for our contracts to be drafted the 2nd plane struck. A brief glance of the crowd and there was a lot of worried faces and we all knew that this was no accident. Within about 15 minutes the building was evacuated and we did not return for 2 days. Many of the guys with us decided not to join since the country was bound for war. It is never hard to remember the day I joined, that is for sure.
My Father was a prior Marine for 4 years.
My Grandfather was prior Navy for 4 as well. He passed away recently. Rest in Peace.
My Great Uncle was prior Navy for 20 years, retired Chief (highest enlisted rank at the time)
My Aunt was prior Navy, retired Senior Chief.
My Brother in Law is prior Navy and is now currently active duty Army in Iraq.
So there is some military background in our family.