I dropped out of college in 1973 with the intention of enlisting in the Army. All the recruiter could say was electronics and that’s not my cup of tea. I walked away. I was married in 1974 and by November 1975 we had hit rock bottom. It was time to enlist in the Air Force. I did very well in my assessment test and was told to pick any job I wanted. That’s tough when the catalogue is 4 inches thick.  Then a Navy buddy talked me into becoming a Mineman in the Navy Reserve. I interviewed with a Chief who was very forthright. His parting words were “you will never be a Mineman.” When I got to the MEPs station in Columbia, the recruiter took a look at my test scores. He slid a piece of paper across the desk and said take this little test. I did and I passed. From that point on, there was only one career field open to me: Nuclear Power. So on 5 February 1976, I enlisted in the delayed entry program in the Navy Nuclear Power Program. On 23 February I entered Navy basic training at Orlando, Florida. Following boot camp, I went to Machinist Mate A School in Great Lakes, Illinois, Nuclear Power School (NPS) in Orlando, FL, and Nuclear Prototype Training (NPTU) in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I ended up with an extra school in Idaho, training as an Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT).  In May 1978 I reported aboard USS Francis Scott Key, SS(B)N 657. Because I was a rare ELT, I was soon sent to the USS Lewis & Clark SS(B)N 644 (Gold). I served 2 ½ years on the USS Lewis & Clark on 5 deterrent patrols and earned my Submarine Warfare Pin or “Fish”. I was allowed to rotate early to a billet as an instructor in nuclear power plant operations at NPTU Ballston Spa, NY. The Clark was going to the yards for an overhaul and I did not extend my time to have 6 months in the Navy after the overhaul was complete. I did 3 ½ years as an instructor then left the Navy. I completed my active duty time as a Machinist Mate 1st Class Submarine Qualified (MM1(SS)) and selected for advancement to Chief Machinist Mate (E-7).  I started Clemson University in May 1984 and graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in December 1987. I did well, graduating Cum Laude. However, military service was still calling. I enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard in a Duster Battery as a Spec-4.  After graduation I worked at Charleston Naval Shipyard as a Nuclear Engineer. In 1989, I was commissioned as an Ensign (Butter Bar). I completed the Reserve Engineering Duty Officer Course and served in the Charleston Naval Shipyard EDO unit. When the Charleston Naval Shipyard was shutdown, my reserve unit went with it. I was then assigned as Training Officer at a Weapons Station unit. There was too much politics in these Weapons Station Units for my taste. So, I closed that door and God opened another door.  An Army Reserve Friend offered me a position in an engineering unit. I switched colors from Blue to Green I became a member of a special engineering unit made up of Facility Engineer groups responsible for base camps in Bosnia and Kosovo. In August  2001 I told the Colonel I was ready to transfer to the Retired Reserve and spend more time with my family.  My desire was to attend Seminary and learn the Scripture. I was saved in June 2000 and the call from Jesus was strong! September 11 put my Retired Reserve on hold. We were not called up so I transferred to the Retired Reserve. My civilian job was with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and after 9/11, the job became very intense  I turned 60 in July 2014, and officially became Major, U.S. Army retired. The Army credits me with 34 years combined service, active, Guard, Reserves, and Retired Reserves. I started online classes with Luther Rice Seminary and received a Master of Arts in Christian Studies in 2015.  Since I retired, I have become involved with Vets Helping Vets, the America Legion Honor Guard, the Men’s Ministry at Covenant Baptist Church. I am the Veterans Coalition Director for the SC Convention of States. I am very active at my church. I am also a member of the Dolly Honor Guard.