I join the Navy as an alien. My home country used to have an agreement with the U. S. government that Filipinos can enlist in the United States Navy which is a part of U.S. military bases agreement. The process was very much more rigorous than in United States. I spend my first Christmas at boot camp in 1966. Vietnam war was at it's height. After four years I re-enlisted and was eligible to become a naturalized citizen. I grabbed that opportunity right away. After 21 years of service I retired from the Navy. Although Vietnam veterans were not treated just as the modern day veterans I am not going to cry over spilled milk. We would not have anything if not for the NAVY. After retiring from the Navy I lucked out and got a job with the Department of the Navy as a civil service employee. Twenty one years doing that I finally retired. My wife and I are enjoying retirement. My family and I owe the Navy everything we have and still benefiting from my service. It makes me very mad when I see people here and abroad disrespecting my adopted country. THANK YOU VERY MUCH UNITED STATES NAVY AND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!
Santiago TuallaGoose Creek, SC