From Oklahoma to San Diego, April 1969

As many of the recruits stated, this was my first time away from home. Having just graduated from high school and started college at NEO (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) in Miami, Ok., I really wasn't trying to get an education!! I found out how well I wasn't doing when I received a letter from the Department of Defense. I knew it meant I was going to be drafted.

I took off from school and drove to Nowata, Ok and enlisted. There were about 12 of us from that area and all were in the same boat.

Upon entering gate 3 and RTC, approx. 3 a.m., we were met by this tall lanky Bos'n Mate 1st class, Robert W. Meade Jr., yelling at each of us in language we had never heard before! Our day just started and everything that could happen did happen. As our days progressed, our CC wasn't nearly as bad as we first thought. Our days on the grinder in the middle of April '69 were very hot and humid. Several quake tremors and some rain.

I was one of the lucky ones, being selected to the color guard. I actually carried the Oklahoma flag. We were in many parades.

After boot camp and 15 days leave I managed to come back to San Diego to go through Shipfitter A School and Welding C1. I passed both in the top 10 and was actually given a promotion to SF3. Having graduated, I was given first choice as to my next duty station and chose the USS Vulcan AR5 in Norfolk, Va. My next 3 years were Pier 1. We called her Bldg. 5. After my enlistment, I came back to Okla. and joined the Reserves. Finally retiring in 1992 as Hull Technician 1st Class.

I got word that in early 2005 that CC Meade has passed away. I took from him during my boot camp, that Navy tradition was to be respected. I gained self worth, respect for myself and a lifelong attitude that "I can't" never did anything. Thanks to Mr. Meade and the US Navy, I have many memories and "sea stories" that will stay with me as I raise my children and grandchildren.

To all my shipmates that have gone before me, "Fair Winds and Following Seas".
I wish you great progress in preserving NTC.

Don Gaskill HT1 (ret)
Copan, Ok.

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