Frank Pawlik:  

I grew up in Charlestown but we moved to Medford when I was about 13 so I had a couple of years at the Lincoln before going up to "The Big House" (as we called it in junior high). I was in the "Sales" course at Medford High and got credit toward graduation for working (washing dishes) three afternoons a week rather than attend classes. I also worked weekends so I rarely took part in any school activities (but I still managed to have a good time during my years there). And I enlisted in the navy in February of '65 so I was actually already in the navy when we graduated in June and I went on active duty in August. I then spent about 18 months being shuffled around the country while in Radioman training and another 18 months in the Philippine Islands. My last year (or so) was spent on a destroyer (USS James E. Kyes) that took me to Vietnam in 1969. Looking back on it, I guess I always knew Vietnam would be the eventual destination for a kid who had to wash dishes in order to graduate. But I have no regrets. It actually worked out good for me. I really enjoyed my time in the navy and they taught me some skills that have allowed me to earn a decent living right up until this very day. I stayed in California for a short time after my hitch in the navy was up but I eventually came home (when I ran out of money) and went to work for the phone company in early 1970. In 1982, at age 34, I finally got married (a girl from Arl...Expand for more