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I am
Steve Freeman and I am a Navy veteran. My father retired from the
Navy in 1975 as a Master Chief after serving 27 years on active
duty. I served my country from 1980 to 1985; most of which was
spent onboard the USS Bolster; the rescue/salvage ship to the
left.
While I served, I learned about the chain of command and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Navy was a positive experience for me. It taught me that anyone can be a boss and anyone can be a subordinate; and that sometimes the only distinction between the two was who held the college degree. Officers hold degrees, enlisted men (like myself) followed orders. There is a certain kinship formed between shipmates, as well as between members of the armed services in general. Serving in the military changes people; changes attitudes about civilians and servicemen (and women of course). I met some of the smartest people as well as some of the dumbest people I've ever encountered. I knew one man who knew the trajectory paths of missles; and another who thought the paper side of sandpaper was supposed to make contact with the surface to be sanded. I am not kidding. The toll of the war on terror grows daily, in human, economic, and political terms. Our next President will be faced with monumental decisions regarding withdrawal of troops or expanding the war effort. There will be no honorable withdrawal of troops from the middle east. I support the troops, but I do not support the commander in chief, currently President Bush. I cannot and will not recommend serving in the armed forces to anyone. Sincerely yours, Steve |
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