(Focusing on the fun of my military experience. Not training or missions! 
I was 18 years old and landed in Chicago. Snow everywhere and next thing I knew I was loading a van. We were all scared to talk. We sat in our seats until we arrived to base and then the hustle began. For the next 3 months I would spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with complete strangers and it had been my choice!
My Choice! I called home and couldn’t complain. I had signed up to serve my country and for the next 4 years I did just that. My job was Communications (Radioman now IT) and I spent my entire 4 years on ships!
I traveled to Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, Middle East, and the last year I spent in Washington State. I signed up to serve my country. I wanted to GIVE and gained so much instead!
Life on a ship was unique. You learn of double sided tape and applied it to all your belongings!! I was on an oiler and if we were out of fuel we rocked back and forth so bad we literally walked on walls! We played games, watched movies, and cards!! I was Spades Queen! We would have “Swim Call” and I am sure I left everyone with something to remember:
I was on the USS Fife in Washington State and we had deployed on a Cruise. The Captain announced “Swim Call” and I couldn’t wait to get into the ocean!! There I was wanting to make an impression and after a few jumps I decided to be a Show Off and dive! People had video cameras and I will never forget doing my “Awesome Dive” where in slow motion it was anything but awesome and became the worse “Belly Flop” I have ever done!! It hurt SO bad and the flop made such a loud noise that it silenced over 100 people…..I think that’s the reason my belly is permanently RED!! JK
I loved the Military travel, my friends and the experiences that I learned. I am from Arizona and had to endure Chicago weather which was in itself an experience. Seven layers of clothes and a Ski Mask to keep us warm!
I gained experiences that 10ish years later I am still talking about. I gained a title of a Veteran that I am proud to have earned! I gained friendships of Gold that I can still call and have so much to talk about! I gained a sense of discipline that can’t be written in books or explained. Experiences that are dear to my heart and Friendships that I will never forget.
I am honored and blessed to have served in our USN!! 
That was a great story. Can tell you have some amazing memories from your experience. Interesting about the double sided tape and being out of fuel which im guessing sort of went hand in hand. The belly flop story is hilarious. Im sure you werent laughing at the time, glad you can laugh now. I hope your tummy isnt permanently red! Haha.. So is this video on youtube?
im jealous of your travel, i have barely got to do so myself.
Hi Francis, I just love reading your posts. I have soooo much respect for those that serve and proud to have many in my family. Thanks so much for your service Francis & the great (ouch!) belly flop story!
woman, you are badass and i commend you.
You rock!!! What a great story!!! I am in awe of you right now
You are one incredibly inspiring woman, Francis!
This post makes me so grateful for people like you—the people who serve and protect our country every day.
Thank you.
Thank you very much! I appreciate you! A huge fan of your writing
Thank you Joyce and Thanks to all your family members that serve! A strong salute to them!
Thanks for laughing at the belly flop story with me! I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to serve! Travel was a bonus