Navy Boot Camp San Diego Part Two of Two

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Navy boot camp in sound and pictures...Millions of men went through Recruit Training Command, Naval Training Center, San Diego, California, from 1923 until 1997, when the base was closed.Jostens, Inc., produced and Rainbo Records manufactured this featured recording, which was combined with images from Jostens' boot camp memory book called "The Anchor," from the 1960s and '70s.

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  • Hahaha, that is so funny! You should have skipped trying to re-enlist and joined Doc Bill Cosby on the circuit! My daughter just shakes her head and tells me to check the yellow pages for a new shrink!
    I know that feeling of wanting to return to it all! Then while web surfing one night I stumbled on a substitute! There's a Destroyer Escort(USS Slater) museum ship here in Albany, NY. I'm joining the volunteer veteran crew. I get to put the utilities back on and step back on a deck! You guys have a few out there in CA and a carrier or two to boot! As a matter of fact, they are trying to get the Iowa moved over to Mare Island. I know after my communications with the folks here in NY that run the Slater that they a thankful for new blood in the ranks. Plus, I found one of the areas they never thought of was Corpsman! With all the ongoing restoration work, there's a real need to have someone around with that experience! Also, the WWII vets are disappearing quickly these days and it's time for our generation to step up!
    Unfortunately, I haven't found any of my old shipmates yet! That's one the things that brought me to this site. I hope it booms and I may. I did find and make contact with a girlfriend I had back in San Diego in 73 and I am still trying to absorb the results! What a story! There's even a book and a movie about it! Wow, the things you discover because of the internet!
  • How 'bout that, Doc Jim? You were in L & D also...
    I also went for my EMT, but only actually worked on a rig about half a year. The rest of the time I worked in clinics and hospitals.
    Back during Gulf War One, I got all motivated to go "Green Side" all over again, missing the honor of serving with the Marines, plus all that "before breakfast" activity they're so famous for. I went to the recruiter but was turned down due to age (I was 36 at the time, but still in good shape and still an EMT), so I called my Senator's office and complained. Didn't do any good. I remember asking that kid recruiter, "How old are you?" He said, "Twenty-four." I said, "'Tell you what, if I come down there and kick your ass at 36, do I qualify then?" He didn't laugh, but I immediately led into a lighter appeal.
    Anyhow, who knows but that my life was spared by not going.
    I just miss being needed, I guess, Doc. I'm a peon in the great VA machine now, which is honorable work, to be sure, but not like the "old days" when I was a Doc.
    I should re-do this video and get a better recording, but what the heck.
    I still keep in touch about weekly with one of the guys from my boot camp company. That kind of camaraderie is almost non-existent on the civilian side. THAT's what I miss, I suppose.
    God bless you, Doc Jim, and I'm so glad you found your little 33 RPM record, too.
    My son asked me, "How many songs fit on one of those?"
    I told him, "Just the one recording."
    "Wow, that's old school, Dad."
    Yeah, old school...old Navy..."When the ship's were wood and the men were steel, ARRGHH!
    When the Skipper had a peg leg and a parrot on his shoulder, ARRGHH! When the Chief of Naval Operations was John Paul Jones, ARRGHH!"
    ...but then I digress...
    later...
    "Doc" mjs
    Coming Soon
  • Hey Mike Sanchez, I had to laugh!
    At the same time you were in Great Lakes and delivering I was in the dependent's building at Chelsea Naval Hospital(Boston) working the delivery room and nursery! Every time I am asked or talk about my time in the Navy I get a crossed eyed look when I tell someone that I spent a chunk of my time in the Navy delivering babies! Some of the other corpsman had a nickname for those of us in that department! They called us "snatch catchers"! Funny thing is after the Navy I was an EMT/Paramedic for 25+ years and wound up delivering a couple more! HA! (laughing, not Hospitalman Apprentice)
    While in San Diego I only spent 30 days at MCRD there on TDY. So, I guess I really don't qualify for FMF!
  • I was amazed to find that little record still stuck inside the cover of my "72" Anchor! I always thought it sounded just a little corny and that narrator ....... they could have done better! You had me going through the pages again! Thanks Mike(fellow HM and Balboa alum)!
  • Thanks for the memories!!!
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