My Navy Dream

                                       When I was 18 years old I decided to join the military.



Travis, Mom, Me & Dad at my swear in ceremony

 

I was terrified.

When I first went to the recruiting station I couldn't believe that I was actually going to sign my life away. I decided to join the Navy and never in my wildest dreams, did I think it would have had such a huge impact on my life.

My PO3 Frocking Ceremony

Training P-Cola

I served in the Navy for five years I was an Aviation Boatswains Mate. I was a "white shirt." I worked in the tower with the Air Boss or Air Operations Officer. I had a very easy job but it was very stressful. I controlled all aircraft within 5 nautical miles of the ship, to ensure their safe landing onboard the USS WASP. This experience alone was one that taught me how to handle stressful situations. Handling aircraft is not an easy task.

I learned a lot of life experiences and traveled the world. I know that would not have been able to have done the things I have done and learned
the things I have if I wouldn't have joined the military.

I have traveled the world some of the places I have been include: Spain, Cuba, the Panama Canal, Nova Scotia, Boston, New York, New Orleans, Ft. Lauderdale, Pensacola, Norfolk, Va., New Jersey, Washington D.C. and Many more. If I would have stayed in Mont Belvieu, Texas I would have never been able to see the things I've seen.

My brother Travis and I in Pensacola, Fl. My family came to visit while I was in Training.

Seeing different parts of the world has opened my eyes to new things that I never knew existed. It let me know that there are other things outside of just what I see at home. When traveling with the Navy from place to place there are many rules and customs you have to follow. You have to "keep your head on a swivel" there is always some sort of danger when your walking around foreign places in your military uniform. In a way I believe it helped me develop street smarts. I am always aware of what is going on around me and its because of the military.

Me at the Port of New Jersey

Along with all of my travels have met a lot of famous people and I have also been on television. I have met the Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Ray Maybus and the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenart. I have also met Katy Perry, Trace Adkins, Tom Hanks and Fez from that 70's show. I have appeared on The Weather Channel and also on the New York 4th of July celebration. I have done seen and met very many people and I wouldn't change it at all.

NYC

Katy Perry and I

I have learned how to be responsible for me. While in the navy I was assigned off base housing, for the first time in my life I was living on my own and providing for myself. I never thought that day would come. I gained my own independence. I grew into a  woman. The Navy did that for me.            

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

I'm not saying that it was easy because believe me it was not easy by any means. Everyone has the days that you just want to give up. I have been there and I know what it is like. That's how I learned to lean on my family and my friends for support. The Navy taught me that.


I remember my last night underway. It was really amazing. The captain had visitors onboard and they had a cigar social and non-alcoholic beer it was the perfect way to end my last night underway.

Broadway in NYC

Nova Scotia, Canada Harbor

Fez from That 70's Show

I remember the last day I walked of the USS WASP.

I remember the last salute that I gave the American flag.

I remember being scared because I didn't know what was coming.

I will never regret serving my country, it was the most amazing experience that I have ever had in my whole entire life.

It helped me become the person I am today.

Me and Chief of Naval Operations Ray Maybus

I'm Crouched down launching the Harrier

My last sunset underway