Rick Nelson – My Navy Recruiter Story

OK...yesterday a dear friend passed from this life Richard V. Nelson, or Rick as I called him. Was Rick a close friend, NO. But he was a DEAR friend tor whom I had great respect and who influenced my life from my teenage years up until NOW. I remember Rick as a family friend...more specifically …

Yes Ma’am and No Ma’am – Respect

I was born in Flint, MI and attended school up there until I was in the 6th grade. In the north we called Coke's "Pop", and instead of ya'll, we said "You guys". When someone asked you a question you responded with "yeah" or "no". After about 6 weeks at the Grand Blanc Junior High …

Kinda Bummed About Book

I was in the US Navy from June 10, 1973 until September 10, 1977. My Boot Camp for the Navy was in Great Lakes, IL and I was in the 22nd Battalion Company 73-192. My Company Commander (CC) was 1st Class Hambrick or who we called "Blue Beard" for his sadistic and overly difficult "Happy …

The Book Quest

I have been searching for this book for over 25 years, and 20 of those years I have spent scouring the internet and eBay in search of this evasive and rare book. What book is it? I'll tell you in a moment. On June 11, 1973 I joined the US Navy and headed off to …

Heading to Boot Camp 1973

As I remember... Three weeks after graduating High School, Rick Nelson picked me up at the house and we headed off to Little Rock to spend the night (at the old Downtowner Hotel) before flying to Chicago to begin training in the US Navy. On the plane, I remember being both nervous and anxious knowing …