Comments

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  Jim Decota December 14, 2010 at 6:56pm

  James, I echo those sentiments, Chief! Don't ever accept defeat, even when the "so-called" medical experts say it's so! These days they seem to be wrong more often than right! I'll just bet there are some medical facilities out there that are breaking the mold and doing what others say can't be done with your disease! Bless you Chief! I know all your shipmates on here are praying for you!
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  James W Ward December 14, 2010 at 5:01pm

  God Bless you, but is there a date on your foot when you should leave?  I don't think so.  I think that you can make it for oh lets say another 5 to 6 years..  God Be with you.

  I have been checked for it too because of the wiring I did on the ships. But so far so good. Still checking me for Agent Orange crap too.

  We will talk again. Be good Chief
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  Donald Bratton McDowell December 14, 2010 at 3:55pm

  The only bad thing to come out of my career is that I mesthelioma.  It is from asbestos exposure on my ships, and maybe even shore duty at NSD Subic.  I have a different type of meso than most.  It usually goes to the lungs but I have it in my abdoman (3% get it this way).  I was discovered about 20 months ago during a routine hernia surgery at the VA Hospital in Fargo.  I've got about a year left according to my surgeon.
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  James W Ward December 14, 2010 at 3:44pm

  Yes, I know about the travel part, but then the stint in country on and off for me was not fun at all.  Hard landing on the deck of the Hornet in a Huey and then the incoming at Cam Ranh Bay and other interior places I went to service TTY and Radio equipment.

  That part I do not miss.  Nor the inspections, I could shave at 5 and have 5 oclock growth by 7..Still dealing with the effects of PTSD but dealing with it just the same.

  I was probably at Subic bay a few times you were.  I did Shore patrol and had to take two prisoners back to Treasure Island after my first tour Overseas. 
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  Donald Bratton McDowell December 14, 2010 at 3:36pm

  I went to SK A school and then two tours at NSD Subic Bay with a year in DaNang between them,  Also COMPHIBPAC; COMNAVSURFPAC; USS Proteus (AS-19); Naval Science Dept., U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; USS Mullinnix (DD-944); USS Puget Sound (AD-38); and PSA, Philadelphia.  My son will have 23 years in himself next month.  He is Chef Sonar Tech.  Don't miss the Navy as much as I do the travel.
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  James W Ward December 14, 2010 at 3:30pm

  Yup, I was there.  Shortest one in the group cept for the flag bearer.  Went to Radio school after that and then to the Annapolis where I became the "runner".  When ever they needed some one to do a job it was me.  Radio operator, PRC 25 Radioman with the Marines, Orestes etc, anything. Went to Teletype C school in San Diego and then to the Hornet. Mostly good times, some not so good, 4 time shellback. Remember all the Ports of call that were fun..
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  Donald Bratton McDowell December 14, 2010 at 3:24pm

  Did you actually graduate on the BIG grinder or at the grinder in front of Battalion?  I think you graduated with us there because so many companys were in service week there were no backup companys for us to do it on the big grinder in front of Naval Base Headquaters.
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  James W Ward December 14, 2010 at 3:12pm

  Yes, it was a trip, like home.  I turned 21 in Boot Camp and never got a drink till I got home.  We had one guy almost die on us with an appendix burst.
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  Donald Bratton McDowell December 14, 2010 at 2:42pm

  James, I barely remember the "car incident", but I'll never forget those days of us "squirrels" having the long marches over and back on the bridge.  It was so good to get to the other side even if the barracks were not as good.
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  James W Ward December 14, 2010 at 2:16pm

  Donald McDowell, I was right behind you Co 402 same year.  Remember the Co. that got hit by the car.  Co. 401..