On November 31, 1999, I signed up for the US Navy. I was 17 years old. On July 13, 2000, I was deployed to Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. By March of 2001, I received orders to one of the oldest Landing Transport Docks in the Navy. The USS Cleveland (LPD-7)
Life on board the Cleveland was tough. At 19 years old, I learned to grow up fast. I've been so many places. From ports all up and down the west coast to Sicily. During Operation Enduring Freedom, we brought one of the first waves of Marines along with 6 other ships to Kuwait for the Iraqi Invasion. I heard that our amphibious landing was the largest landing of servicemen since D-Day.
I've met so many people. My good friend Ben stood in my wedding. He and I were buddies on board the ship and we still keep in contact till today. I was inspired to serve our country by seeing how both grandpas served during WWII. After hearing stories and seeing their pictures, I knew I would serve. (I knew since I was a boy) Serving our Country has been the greatest honor for me. And if I could do it all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat.
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