I had a presidential nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and and met nearly all of the entry requirements.  This plan changed when a physical examination indicated that I'm slightly color blind. My father, then the Commanding Officer at the Naval Reserve Training Center at Whitestone, NY, swore me into the U.S. Navy in December, 1976.  I attended Boot Camp in Orlando, Florida, and Cryptologic Technician (Communications) "A" School (now "Center for Information Dominance") in Pensacola, Florida, where I graduated first in my class. My work in the Navy was very satisfying.  The structured atmosphere of a military lifestyle didn't bother me in the least -- my upbringing prepared me well for it.  The travel was an education in itself, and I look back on it fondly.  I learned a great deal about the world and the people inhabiting it.  There were some exciting (the good and the bad kind) times, though: During the summer of 1978, a typhoon in the Sea of Japan (picture 90-foot seas crashing over the bow of a supercarrier -- the only time I've ever been seasick). Brawling with US Marines in the Philippines while that country was under martial law and having to explain myself to six M16-toting members of the Philippine police. Nearly losing two friends & former Pensacola classmates who were the victims of an FALN terrorist attack in Puerto Rico. Coming down with dysentery in Portugal. On Gonzo Station in the Persian Gulf when Iraqi invaded western Iran on Sept. 22, 1980. In November of 1985, breaking my ankle badly while in Okinawa and having to hike back to the base while injured.  After a failed surgery in July of 1986, my injury caused my separation from the Navy in May 1987. The failure of my first marriage due to the stresses of absence and my work. Helplessly watching a friend die when his airplane went over the side of the ship while we were at sea.  Neither he or the plane were recovered. Talking to the USS Stark on a teletype circuit from Guam at the moment (May 17, 1987) that it was hit by two Iraqi Exocet missiles in the Persian Gulf.  37 sailors were killed.  21 were wounded.  Iraq later apologized, claiming "pilot error".  The USA accepted the apology, because of our support of Iraq in their war with Iran. Many of my experiences can't be shared here due to the nature of my job. I was on the cutting edge of communications and computer technology.  I've received several awards for my ability to solve difficult problems in high-pressure situations. I was first stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) while the ship was stationed at Naval Air Station Alameda, California (now closed) and The Bremerton Navy Shipyard in Washington State.  While the ship was in drydock in Bremerton, I shared a house near Tacoma, Washington with my childhood buddy Mike Keeler, right next to Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.  We spent a lot of time in and around Seattle.  We also did a lot of camping in the area, including on Mount Rainier and in the area surrounding the mountain. I was then transferred to another carrier, the U.S.S. Eisenhower (CVN-69) out of Norfolk, Virginia.  Ike spent over nine months in the Persian Gulf, arriving three days after the end of the the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1980. I am a Shellback (crossed the Equator while at sea... I've done it 10 times), a member of the Order Of The Golden Dragon (crossed the International Date Line at sea), a Mossback (rounded Cape Horn) and a Bluenose (crossed the Arctic Circle).  I'm a Bluenosed Shellback AND a Frozen Mossback!  Also, for those of you who know the Navy base at Subic Bay, Philippines, I have my 100 Mission patch for crossing a certain infamous river. I attended Cryptologic Technician (Communications) "C" School at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo Texas, where I graduated first in my class. In 1981 I was transferred to Naval Security Group Activity (now closed), Winter Harbor, Maine, where I was the supervisor of a 5-person watch section..  Before I met Teri, I lived on the base, which is actually within the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park. For a short time I worked as a MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System) "ham" radio operator at the base. In 1985 I was transferred to Naval Communications Area Master Station Western Pacific, Guam, where I worked as a Tech Control Supervisor.  I was supervisor of the SouthEast Asia Tactical Information Communications Center (SEATICC), where I helped develop the qualification standards for that area.  I later became the the supervisor of a 15-person watch section.  This is where I learned how packet-switching networks operate, which of course is the basis of the Internet. In November of 1985 I broke my ankle badly while visiting Okinawa, and after spending most of the next 13 months in a cast & crutches, I was given a medical discharge in May of 1987.  Had I stayed in the Navy, I would have retired in December 1996. I miss the life.  I had an important, interesting and satisfying job.  I did my job well enjoyed it.  Most of the time I worked with and for competent people, and it was great.  I'd go back in an instant, and I'm ready to serve in any way if asked.