Melissa Cooper:
CLASS OF 1991
West Union High SchoolClass of 1991
West union, OH
Melissa's Story
Military
I joined the Navy because the benefits were too good for me to pass up. It would get me out of Adams County, OH, I could see the world, and I would get money for college. I became a CTO (cryptologic technician: operator). For those who don't know what that is, I worked in "intelligence" transmitting and handling classified message traffic.
I went to boot camp in June, 1991 in Orlando, FL. Hated it, but held onto the tip given to me by (of all people) my recruiter, "boot camp isn't the real Navy." So I left there in Aug., 1991.
From there I went to A-school to learn to be a CTO in Pensacola, FL until November. For a long time I thought that was the best time of my life. I met a sexy, funny guy who made me forget about that jerk I had been dating back home in Ohio. Chemistry was more like poetry, but in typical military fashion, I graduated A-school and was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland. Goodbye, Wayne.
Naval Facility (Navfac)holds a lot of memories for me. Some really good and some really bad. Ray, Rob, Ack, Simon, Perry, Ali, Tanya, Shawna, Jen, Deneille and Adrian were some of the friends I have fond memories of. I refrain from mentioning the name of the sonuva biscuit-eater that had no business doing what he did to me and Jen. Iceland was cold, windy, but became more beautiful by the kilometer away from the base. Iceland ha...Expand for more
s the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world! Thank you to Anthony who taught me the quote, "if you can't eat and be happy, why bother?" and, through his love of the Italian culture, convinced me to get orders to Naples, Italy.
Naval Security Group Activity, Naples had some interesting memories for me. Master Chief Moore - thank you! Bob, the Condell's (sorry about the car!), and working in department admin. It was Naples, however, that introduced me to my husband - Kieth. Kieth introduced me to Italian pizza, gelato, Caprese salad, roadkill (rotisserie chicken), and a honeymoon in Positano on the Amalfi coast. Oh, he also introduced me to unconditional love and motherhood. A big "hi" to Van, Maria, Carmen, and Fabiana. By the way, if anyone reading this is thinking of going to Naples, don't. Go to Positano, Firenza, Rome, or Venice instead.
After Naples, I left active duty and followed my husband to Norfolk, VA. I did join the Naval Reserves where I served until 2002 as a photographer's mate. Hi to Sharon!
Overall, I learned so much during my time in the military. I learned to live away from those that you love for long periods of time. I learned that I preferred to have a clean house. I learned responsibility and accountability. Finally, I learned that it is possible to fall in love more than once...sometimes with the same man.
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