John Watkins:  

After graduation from Hilliard HS I faced decision of two college paths: GMI (General Motors Institute) and a automotive career or Ohio State and studying Mechanical Engineering. Chose OSU primarily due to my father's health and although it meant I would have to pay for college. (GMI was co-op program.) OSU had mandatory ROTC and I chose Navy ROTC for it was a challenge. I never regretted that decision. I received a full NROTC scholarship (but a four year commitment to active duty,) I became commander of the Navy Drum & Bugle Corp in my Junior year (and converted it to a Navy Band - and it remains a band to this day.) During my Senior cruise on USS Tiru, I made my first Viet Nam tour. In August '69 I received my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (one of the last of five year program.) and Regular Commission as Ensign in US Navy. Off to New London, CT... After Submarine Officers Bacis School, I was assigned to USS Salmon (SS573) as Communications Officer. I made my second Viet Nam tour on Salmon in 1970. From there I surfaced to become the Damage Control Assistant and Repair division Officer for USS Shelton (DD 790) During summer of 1972, Shelton deployed for what was to he her last Viet Nam deployment. We received 500 rounds incoming from Haiphong gun mouns one night. Fortunately all missed, but I really thought I was going to earn my pay that night! I received two more stars for my Viet Nam service ribbon for that deplopyment. We were on the last gunline for the war ended just after we left there in Jan 1973. I decommissioned Shelton and was assigned as Discipline and Receipts officer at US Naval Station, 32nd St. Life. While there I also served as facility maintenance manager for the personnel manager, Commander Gaul. UPS recruited me in 1974 and I left the Navy after 4 years, 8 months and much valuable experience and many friends. I spent the next 33 years with UPS serving in many Plant Engineering capacities. Conveyor design, building design, project management, facility management, technology applicaions were just a few job respons...Expand for more