Growing up

My parents both worked so that we could live in one of the better neighborhoods in Knoxville. I was an only child, so I learned about independence early. The downside was that I never experienced family ties, nor sharing. Neither of my parents were abusive and seldom, if ever, argued or raised their voices in anger.

As one of the youngest kids in my class, I was smaller and less coordinated than most of my classmates. I tried hard to fit-in, wanted to be popular and would usually go along with anything suggested without evaluating the consequence. I made above average grades, but often got in trouble for misbehaving. I never really worked hard in school, doing just enough to pass. In summary - impulsive, naive and immature.

Navy

Joining the navy was a very good decision. The totally new environment exposed me to people of different economic, geographical, and racial environments. I learned about discipline, accountability, and self-reliance. I followed orders, obeyed the rules, and worked hard. I completed boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Facility near Chicago. IL.

I was assigned to an air force base near Denver, CO. and trained in the interpretation of aerial photography to identify military bases, weapon stations, and troop movements. This information was used to plan offensive air strikes during combat.

My last assignment was to the USS Oriskany (CVA-34), an aircraft carrier assigned to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) fleet. Her home port was San Diego CA, but she was at the shipyard in Bremerton WA for maintenance when I first boarded.

After sailing to San Diego for replenishing supplies and munitions, she set sail for a planned six-month deployment. During the tour, the Gulf of Tonkin incident occurred which led to the start of the Vietnam conflict.

The remaining time aboard the Oriskany was tough. All WESPAC ship were at sea much longer with fewer and shorter periods in port. During deployment, we launched and recovered aircraft 12-14 hours per day. Many pilots that were launched never returned, either captured or killed. That scenario continued for several years after I completed my active duty in 1966.

The abuse of the POWs in Vietnam troubled me deeply. I still believe our government signed the peace document fully aware that some POWs were still alive and not released.

The navy also taught me to work hard, then play hard. At shore, alcohol was cheap and readily available. There were ample bars around to party and drink. My heroes were John Wayne and James Bond types, that always won, even if they had to bend the rules. My moral compass was adrift – it was all about me.

Navy Epilogue

My Navy experience will always be part of me. The Oriskany was decommissioned in 1976 and eventually sold to the state of Florida to be sunk as an artificial reef. In 2004, the stripped down hull was in Corpus Christi, TX for final scavenging and environmental preparation before being towed to the proposed reef site. One Sunday afternoon, we drove to Corpus to see if I could find the salvage yard. I did, and the stripped was deserted except for one contractor watchman. DeLana talked him into letting me go aboard for one final goodbye.

There was very limited temporary lighting, and I was restricted to the hanger deck, but I could still remember the layout. I found an old valve laying of the deck and the watchman let me take it as a souvenir. On my second Memorial Day ride to the Wall, I placed the valve with a description about origin under the marker of a naval pilot acquaintance who was shot down during my deployment. This was a very emotional moment. I don't remember this picture or who took it, but I am grateful to have it.

Gulf of Tonkin - 1966

Oriskany sinking - 2006

Vietnam Memorial - 2011

College

I decided to major in Chemical Engineering because I was good at math and I had enjoyed chemistry in high school. Instead of youngest is my class, I was now the older guy. I had experienced the difference in working and living conditions between the top and bottom of the pay scale, so I was very motivated to study and graduate.

The GI bill helped fund my education, I also had a part-time job at the local beer store near campus, which had some obvious benefits. Tennessee offered a work study program in engineering. This was a five-year program instead of four, but included a year of practical work experience as an engineering apprentice. I worked for Union Carbide Nuclear Division at the defense plant in Oak Ridge, TN. It was a great experience, and the extra income allowed me to avoid student loans.

I met my long time friend Eric Warming in college. We were both ChemE majors and worked at the same locations during our work assignments. Studying, drinking a little beer, and golf kept me busy during college. Eric and I often did all of those together. He came out on the plus side of our golf wagers. We both went to work or DuPont after graduation, and have stayed in touch for more than 50 years.

During my senior year, I really enjoyed my classes, and was beginning to understand how individual subjects fit together with the projects I had seen at Union Carbide. The job market was not great in 1972, so I decided to stay in school and get a master’s degree. I continued to work and play hard and completed the MS in five quarters.

college years

graduation

under construction

under construction