Ray Tallerico:  

Once upon a time, I was the shy guy........... reasons for that misconception are a bit personal, and are no longer a consequence to my character. After losing my soul mate,after three years, to another guy, way back then, which nearly took a toll on me and my future, I finally grew up in the Navy. Although, wanting to join the Marines, back in "67", in fact, the Marines was my first choice,...... on a Friday. after telling him my story, He said," Come back on Monday, and if you feel the same way, We'll take you." I went out side, looked up at the sky and thought," Lost my girl, quit my job at Joseph Horne, & Co, quit both my schools, had problems at home and said Nahhhh!" and went back in to see what the Airforce had to offer. They were booked cause of Nam. Went to the Navy recruiter. He said, " I have 2 spots open for four years each. I took one, and spent Christmas Eve on a Watch at Boot Camp, carrying a rifle. I think God had other plans for me. He saw to it that the Navy was where I was headed. To this day, I'm convinced, if I went to the Marines and Nam, I wouldn't be here today. After Boot, and Home Leave, I was headed for my first ship. Seeing an Aircraft Carrier up close is a challenge all should experience. I sailed on three Carriers in four years in the Air Department, After 18 Countries and 9 States, and a whole bunch of loyal friends, I c...Expand for more