[JERRY2KONE]

Thank you for your kind regards. we are all faced with choices and the freedoms to make them without coersean. I still remember at an early age closely observing my surroundings and some of the people of those times in an effort to figure out what made them tick. Watching so many people in their 20's, 30's & even into their 40's unhappy with their lives, and the jobs they chose growing up. I knew at a very young age that I wanted better for myself. Without the gift of rich parents, no money, nor hopes for a privledged education the military seemed to be the best bet for free training, and the idea of being able to retire at the age of 38 looked extremely appealing. Once signed up (Mar/1977) I quickly leanred that if you want the best out of your job you had to strive to be the best at what you did. I moved up quicky through the ranks working my way to the goals that I had set for myself along the way. I knew within the first few months what I wanted out of the Navy and what I hoped to accomplish during my commitment. Complete at least a 20 year career to achieve retirement status at 38, make E-7/CPO/Chief Petty Officer, and become a boot camp drill instructor. Reaching each one of these goals came with hard work and dedication even in the face of resistance and having to overcome great obstacles along the way. Become a fighter and absorb every pit of information/education that becomes available. No one gave me anything, and I had to fight every step of the way to beat out the compitition. That is just the way it is. Now I can look back with pride in knowing that I did my best and it paid off in a big way.