Joining the Navy provided me with some choices that were out of reach to me. Back then school was last on my priority list, (was near the bottom of the class) so I was not prepared for the rigor of college nor working a full-time job. I was always distracted with partying and running around wasting time. Time stood still as I watched some of high school classmates go off to college or get real jobs. I thought to myself, “how could I sit back idle in Buffalo, while others went on with their lives”, so I decided that I needed to do something. I had no idea what that was, it seemed like the universe was calling me to make a move, so I wandered into the Naval Recruiting Station on Walden Avenue and the rest is history.
I joined the United States Navy in 1984 hoping for adventure and intrigue what I received was a lesson in discipline, responsibility, and challenge. For most sailors, the Great Lakes or “Great Mistakes” bootcamp was the first stop on the journey into the Navy. I will never forget the feeling I had reporting to Great Lakes boot camp for the first time, coming off the bus, it was dark and cold, I was terrified and insecure. I couldn’t try and get out of this situation by not showing up or skipping class, this time I was 100% committed to graduating boot camp, and the last thing I wanted was to go back to Buffalo, a failure was not an option, I didn’t want to think for the rest of my life “What If “I graduated from the Navy.
Stepping off the bus I was greeted by a not so humble company commander named, Chief Green from Mobile, Alabama and he would prove to be the biggest challenge of my life. It was his personal mission not to allow me or any recruit to join his Navy without his and the Navy’s approval. His mission, along with all Company Commanders, was to prepare recruits for the Naval Fleet and he would not allow you to graduate unless you were prepared and disciplined. At the time I had no clue what my journey would be, but it all came down preparing me for the rigor of the Naval Fleet and ensuring we would know what to do at the right time.
The lessons I would take with me would change my life. What I learned from that time in bootcamp from the time I worked on F-18 Fighter jets and deployed on the USS Independence is what you needed to work “as a team” and the entire Navy and military is a system. I became more of a systems thinker which expanded my mind and ability to focus on what was important to me and the country. In the past I was distracted by less important tasks and thoughts, in the military you become responsible, and with that responsibility you become focused because the system is counting on you!
After 6 years of service, VFA-106, USS Independence, A Schools, and C Schools, I left the Navy, I took advantage of VEAP program, and graduated college and spent many years in industry working on amazing projects. Taking on some of the foundational principles of “Systems Thinking” I learned in the Navy; I used that discipline to apply to my professional career and academic classes. Through all that success I wanted to support a great cause WNY Heroes. I wanted to give back to those who served and were impacted by mental and physical injuries. I learned about WNY Heroes as an organization that could align with my similar values and make a difference for the men and women and their families returning back from their military service. I just needed a way to raise awareness in the community and money this amazing organization. Therefore, I started “Vet Ride” of WNY. Where Veterans and their Families ride to celebrate, “The 4th of July”, by paying tribute to all Veterans, Active Duty and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We ride to remind our community that “Freedom is Not Free”!
Please join us for the 3rd Annual “Vet Ride” on July 2nd, 2023. We will have a 10-mile ride and 30 mile stopping at 4 military monuments and returning to the Naval Park. Looking for riders, volunteers and corporate sponsorship. All proceeds go to WNY Heroes.
Thanks again to Chris Kreiger, Lynn Magistrale and your entire staff and your entire mission.
