Jerry Mader:  

Life After 43 years of working for the man I have retired as of April 2007. Asked what am I going to do? -- anything I want. Still surviving in the local area. Still hanging in......and appreciating each day...tomorrow isn't promised....so taking what I can get Military I had several pre-induction physicals in 1965 so I knew "my turn" was fast approaching. One day in late Dec. 1965 visited the Army, Navy, and Air Force recruiters. Upon returning home the same day I found my draft notice in the mail box. Contacted the Naval Recruiter and he had me released from the draft. Drafted one day and enlisted the next!!! Quick turnaround to the Great Lakes Jan 6, 1966. I sure wish it had been July. It sure is cold at the Great Lakes in January. Filled out my "dream sheet" and I didn't have enough choices selected so some thoughtful PO told me to put down Radioman. Hell I thought I could become a DJ. Half my company was assinged Radiomen A School and the other half assinged to Hospital Corpman School. [a sign of the times]. That PO knew what he was doing. I guess the Navy could say hey it was YOUR choice. March 66-May 66 BE&e School Great Lakes again [Gee it was great to be back!!!] It was still cold in March. May 66-Sept 66 RM A School Bainbridge MD. Since I was from MD this was the first good break in my short Naval career. Was able to...Expand for more