William E. (Bill) Barnard:
CLASS OF 1971
Anniston High SchoolClass of 1971
Anniston, AL
Valencia Community CollegeClass of 1988
Orlando, FL
Sacred Heart SchoolClass of 1967
Anniston, AL
Peter Pan KindergartenClass of 1958
Anniston, AL
William E. (Bill)'s Story
Life
Born Knoxville, TN on 11/15/52. Moved to Anniston shortly thereafter and with the exception of a few years during the early-mid 50's when we lived in B'ham, have resided in Anniston, Alabama. Had a great time growing up and it was from my perspective a fun time. Saturday matinees at the movies, Drive-In theater with family,
vacations to Pensacola Beach and a few to New England were very special. Made wonderful life-long friends.
After High School, moved to New Jersey and lived there for 1 year. Came back to Anniston until March 9, 1973 when I joined the Navy. Saw the world to say the least and enjoyed shore duty stations in California, North Carolina, Virgina and Tennessee, served on 2 ships, an island (Diego Garcia)in the middle of the Indian Ocean, visited the (Alexandria & Cairo Egypt)Pyramids, (Athens Greece)Parthenon, Malaga Spain, Guantanamo Bay Cuba and sailed most of the 7 seas. Retired in May 1993 and have lived in the Atlanta, Georgia area ever since.
Life has been great in spite of some bumps along the way that serve to build character and closer relationships with those I love.
I look forward to the next 50 years and only hope that it can be as much fun.
School
Attended Peter Pan Kindergarten at age 4 and have some recollections of going there which I shared with Mrs. Smith's daughter (Nancy).
The grammer school years were spent at St. Mary's from 1958 - 1967. If you do the math, it will show that I spent 9 years in a normal 8 year stent. It pays to do your schoolwork and that's one lesson that I had to learn the hard way but it was the right thing to do to do another year. I do have very fond memories of the years there and it's been great finding other classmates who attended as well. Sharing stories, photos, and other memorabilia has been an exciting pastime (when time permits). It's been a joy to complete a photo album to share with others and as years pass, hope to see others do likewise.
There was no Junior High for me since Anniston High School began adding the 9th Grade students from Johnson Jr. High. So it was a jump right into High School.
College
College did not start for me until 1981 when I was stationed at Camp Lejeune on my 2nd tour. Attended mostly during the evening for those years through the mid to 80's. While on Diego Garcia, attended Central Texas College and University of Maryland taking evening courses. In Orlando, Florida, attended Valencia Community College full time. Lastly, earned my AS Degree at City College while stationed in San Diego aboard ship in 1991.
Workplace
My earliest job that I recall was shoveling and spreading dirt a neighbors yard for $3.00 per day.
My earliest full time job was at Home Ice Company in Anniston, Alabama for $1.00 per hour during the summer of 1968. In 1969, I worked at the main Cafeteria at Ft. McClellan ($1.60 per hr)as a bus boy, dishwasher, short order cook and anything else instructed to do. My senior year in High School was at Hardees (cook) ($1.25 per hr).
Worked as a stock picker and truck driver for Neptune Swimsuit Co in Asbury Park, NJ during 1971/1972.
Worked a couple of odd jobs prior to the Navy including Marvel Quilting Company on an industrial sewing machine ($1.60 per hr) and at Lenlock Restaurant near Weaver, Alabama (.75 cents per hr).
Spent 20 years in the Navy as a Dental Technician (1973-1993).
Worked in Logistics Service at the VA Hospital since Oct 1993 to present.
Military
My military car...Expand for more
eer began in January 1973 under the delayed entry program. Went to the Induction Center at Maxwell or Gunter AFB (don't recall which) in January for the initial physical. Got a bus ticket home (Anniston) which took 6 hrs! Must have stopped at every little podunk town on the way back to Anniston. March 9th I arrived again in Montgomery at the Air Base to get sworn in and was on my way to San Diego for Navy Boot Camp. I recall dropping my only pack of cigarettes and was too afraid to go back to get them... Some recruit found them and enjoyed them I'm sure. My first breakfast in the Navy was "SOS" - "Sh.. on a Shingle." It was called, Creamed Chip Beef on Hot Point Toast - Never ate it, never will!! Looked like what my dog threw up! So much for the cuisine at Recruit Training Command, San Diego. The chow did get better though...much better.
My first permanent duty station for those 4 years was at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. Spent the last 2 years at a little outlying clinic (Courthouse Bay Dispensary) which was for the most part isolated duty, right on the river front. It was great!! After those 4 years, I got out... went back to Anniston, did construction work and part time Dental Assistant and decided to back in the Navy.
I reenlisted in Orlando, Florida (July 77 when Elvis died)and awaited orders. This time to the USS L.Y. SPEAR (AS-36) that was a Submarine Tender out of Norfolk. Did 3 years and 5 of the 7 seas onboard. Major cruise took place in 1980 to the remote island of Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Saw Alexandria, Egypt, the great pyramids and all Cairo had to offer. On the return trip, we stopped at Athens, Greece and Malaga, Spain. Crossed the Equator and transformed from a 'pollywog' to a "SHELLBACK." From the Spear, I returned for another tour at Camp Lejeune at the Dental complex. With 3 years in a small town with not much else to do, I went to night school and my last year took flying lessons. After that tour, I was ordered to San Diego again for another Dental School (Administration) for 6 months.
Took a 1-year tour of duty back to the remote island (Diego Garcia). Was advanced in rank after that duty and reported to Orlando, Florida for 3 years. My last ship would be the USS DIXON (AS-37), a sub tender out of San Diego, so it's back cross-country again!! Did a 3-year tour onboard and since I had only 2 years to make my 20, I wanted to come back east.
My last duty station was the Branch Dental Clinic just north of Memphis, TN (Millington). Naval Air Station. I retired on the Friday just prior to Memorial Day weekend at the VFW (#7175). In 20 years of Naval service, was priviledged enough to work and have a great time with many folks from various backgrounds. Met and still stay in touch with many for they are life-long friendships worth nuturing. Was able to see many "wonders of the world" that I just couldn't imagine without being in the Navy. Shipboard life and for that matter, Navy life I would recommend to anyone. For I know of no other means except in the military where such kinship exists - to be at sea, go through the drills, exercise Naval traditions, and work and play together as "one crew" dependent upon each other and have a bond that is as strong as the sea itself. I do miss it...... every day!!! I thank God that I have those memories and those friendships that will remain till my last breath. Fair winds and following seas to all of my shipmates - God Bless You!
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Photos
Register for Free to view all photos!
William E. (Bill) Barnard is on Classmates.
Register for free to join them.
Already registered? Sign in