David Naslund:  

Right after HS. I enlisted in the Naval Reserves, with an active duty date, one year later, in October 1969. Along with a few other Valley Grads, I attended SA College for a year. I was elected Freshman Class President - 1st semester. Lots of new girls to date! At the beginning of the summer of 1969, Dale Knudtson and I were able to convince the apartment manager to rent us an apartment!?! On Tustin Village Way next to the 55 Frwy, north of McFadden. We moved in on Saturday morning and had a bunch of friends over that night... and yes, the manager left a message on our door, asking us to meet with him, first thing Monday morning. We begged and promised that it wouldn't happen again... they let us stay. At the beginning of October 1969, I began a great "once-in-a lifetime" experience. Serving in the Navy on active duty during the Vietnam War for almost 2 years. I was on-board the USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25), 1969-1971. I definitely had the opportunity to travel. It's true what the Navy advertising tagline said, "Join the Navy, See the World". I did... and I did! The USS Bainbridge was one of only 4 surface Ships that were Nuclear Powered. We didn't have to be refueled and therefore received some great assignments. Tracking Russian Navy ships in the Indian Ocean. Representing the United States at the Coral Sea Celebration and the Australian Bi-centenial. We were in the Pacific Ocean, when we were put on alert during the Apollo 13, "Houston we have a problem." We did our "WesPac" cruises in the Pacific Ocean, Coral Sea, Java Sea, Indian Ocean, East Sea, Sea of Japan; We "cruised" to Hawaii, Australia, Singapore, Malasia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Korea. We earned our combat pay in Vietnam where we did Carrier duty and snoop work in the Gulf of Tonkin. along the coast of North Vietnam. We also were in the "war zone" area of North Korea. Very near where the USS Pueblo was captured less than two years previously. We were "at sea" sometimes up to 45 days without pulling into any ports. Every port we landed in was an adventure for me. With some friends, I was able to explore parts of countries that I thought I may never be in again. (and I haven't). Some of the guys on the ship never got past the first bar, or the local house of ill repute. Great time with a bunch of guys, mostly in the late teens through late twenties. Only bad part... no women... (looking back, we were better off) When our ship came back from Vietnam, we were home ported in Long Beach. My Jr Hi and H.S buddy, Dave Shafer and I carpooled to the Naval Base in Long Beach. Two of my brothers Daniel and Douglas, joined the Navy, after I did. After being "honorably discharged" from active duty, I married Judith Harmon in 1971. She graduated from SA High, in 1969. She had dated one of my friends, Ken Emry, when they were in HS. I attended Biola College for a couple of years and then transferred to Cal State Fullerton, changing majors a couple of times and finished up at Pepperdine University working on a Business Degree. Judy went to OCC and then Chapman College and got a Home Economics degree.Great cook and seamstress. We started having children the year she graduated. We had 3 wonderful children within 4 years. Kerri, Ryan and Jeremy in that order. When I was 23 we bought our 1st home, just before Kerri was born. It was in Santa Ana near SA College. After two years we bought our next home; one of the old Victorian Houses near downtown Santa Ana in the French Park Area. Two story,6 bedrooms, 1/2 basement and 3400 sq ft. We lived there for 3 years. We bought it for $40,600 in 1975, and spent another $25k to fix it up. We weren't hippies, but we tried having some friends and students move in with us. Turned out to NOT BE a very good idea. Wreaked havoc on our marriage. Sold it in 1978 for $130k to a women's alcoholic recovery group. That group is still there today. (You can see the house in the "Street View" of G Maps - 910 N. French Street, Santa Ana, CA) We then bought a very nice house in North Tustin. (North of 17th St on Holt Ave) We divorced in 1979. "Irreconcilable differences". The divorce had a highly emotional and depressing effect on me for a couple of years, while I prayed for her to come back. Today, Judi and I have an amicable relationship. I thank God that I have an amazing relationship with our 3 children. To date, I have 2 grandchildren. They live close by and are a true delight. I met my wife Susan, while back packing with a bunch of mutual friends and began dat...Expand for more