The Accident: Final

 

The Accident: Final

USS Scott DDG-995 January 1992

I will move through part of this installment quickly to get to the punchline for the whole story.

The plan left Germany and made its way to the states. We did stop in Spain to pick up some more passengers. I was on a stretcher for part of the flight; I had no shoes. Air Force cargo planes are not designed for passengers at all. It was cold and noisy. The seats were all on a pallet, and there was an added box that had the bathrooms. But, the food was delicious, so that was a plus.

While all of this experience was happening, I read the newest Tom Clancy book, “Sum of All Fears.” It includes a nuclear attack on the US during the Super Bowl. The book talked about a big snowstorm hitting the east coast, closing down the airports. And it was also the day before the Super Bowl. There was a massive snowstorm hitting the east coast in real life, and it was the day before the Super Bowl. We were the last plane allowed to land that night at Andrews Air Force Base.

I eventually made my way back to Great Lakes after a stopover at Scott Air Force Base. I spent another two weeks in the hospital before being sent home on convalescence leave. I reported back to Great Lakes Naval Hospital for what was to be the beginning of the end of my Naval career. Eventually, I was transferred over to the Gas Turbine School at Service Scholl Command. I worked in the Gas Turbine C School Office. Before I was moved there, I was given a chance to go back to Norfolk and DesRon 10. I almost took that one, but I opted to stay at Great Lakes.

I was also given the choice of a more extended medical hold or a medical discharge. Now, here is where the moral of the story starts to play out. At the time, I was married and had two daughters. My wife never did like me being in the Navy, and I know she assumed after my initial 6-year enlistment was up, I was getting out. I had no intention of getting out; I wanted to go for as long as the Navy would let me.

Now, for a little bragging. Being in the Gas Turbine rating was terrific. Advancement was as fast as you could make it. I had just been selected to advance to E5, GSM2, before the accident. I had not been in two years yet. I had my courses done up to Chief. (A piece of advice I had gotten in boot camp.) I was kicking ass on qualifications and doing all I could to be a good sailor. I had my eye on a commission for my ultimate prize. But, in the blink of an eye, it was all on hold. I still did everything I could to keep my momentum going.

Even with all of that said, I did one of the dumbest things I have ever done; I listened to my wife and took the medical discharge. Yeah, I listened to the person who did not want me in the Navy as it was. For the rest of 1992, I worked in the Gas Turbine C School office and in the curriculum office working on A School classes. I was discharged on January 6, 1993.

My dream was gone, but what I did not know at that time, I had a different purpose. IN 1995 I received a letter from the Navy asking me to re-enlist. They needed people to come back in. The offer was a killer, $50K, and choice of first duty station. Hell, yes! I jumped on it, but that not to be; my medical discharge stopped it. I think that was the final nail in my marriage that ended in December of 1997.

Before I was divorced, I met Valerie, my wife now. Now, forgive the romance writer in me here, but we seemed destined to be together. Our first meeting was so minor neither of us really paid attention to it. We also met in a manner that was unheard of in 1997, the internet. We slowly began talking, and things kept growing in ways neither of us could imagine. In June of 1998, we moved to Georgia and started our lives without the influence of my ex on us. I could write a 10 part series on her, but I will save everyone from that.

We were married on February 14, 1999. We have been through a great deal together. We have had some fantastic highs and horrible lows, but we have held together through it all. I can honestly say I would not change any of it.

So, back to my point, dreams. We never know when ours will either come true or be shut out. I had two big shots to keep my Navy career moving forward. I took the other path twice. I would not change where my life is now, and I can see it was the correct path. Now, I am reaching for a different dream, becoming a writer. Don’t let the loss of a dream tear you apart. At the time, you may not know why it happened, but it did. Trust in God that your path is taking you where you should be. When you do realize you are where you should be, things are amazing.

Valerie and I were meant to be together; I fully believe that. That also leads to Lexi, our granddaughter, living with us. We all needed one another, and without one another, there would be three lost people. I honestly can say I am disappointed about my Navy time, but I have no regrets.

Keep dreaming and reaching for them. Do not get down is a dream that does not happen because there is another path for you.

Now to wrap up the whole incident, I want to thank those Hot Shots who helped out that night of the accident. No telling what would have happened had they not made it to the scene so quickly.

 

(The picture at the top was sent to me. I was in the left taxi.)