I enlisted in the Navy in Nov. of 1985 under the AEF program to be a surface ET. While I was in Basic Electricity and Electronics School (BEES) in San Diego Ca, I volunteered to go Submarines. I then became a Navigation Electronics Technician, Nav. ET. While serving on my second Submarine, the USS L Mendel Rivers (SSN-686,) the Navy merged ratings combining ET, Quarter Master (QM) and Interior Communications (IC) into one rate ET.
I served on 3 Fast attack Submarines’ (SSN’s), USS Minneapolis St. Paul (SSN-708), USS L MENDEL RIVERS (SSN-686) and the USS Albany (SSN-753). I went to Electronic Engineering School (C7) in San Diego, Ca. and then served on a research vessel on the west coast, the USNS Maury. I was then assigned Recruiting Duty in Berea, Ohio, and shore duty at SIMA Norfolk, Va.
I deployed on several Northern Runs as well as Mediterranean Runs. I also served in the Middle East (Centcom) on deployment. I earned my warfare designation Submarine Service (SS) Dolphins on my first boat USS Minneapolis St. Paul SSN-708. I earned my ESWS while serving on the USNS Maury (TAGO-39) while in Yokosuka Japan. I served during the Cold War, Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism.
One of the things I liked the most about working in the Submarine community was the fact that it was a small community, and everybody knew everyone by their first name. We worked hard, and we played hard. Good Memories. I retired Jan 31st, 2006, as an Electronics Technician Chief ETC (SS/SW).
Before joining the Navy, I worked at a supermarket, a seafood restaurant, in Lakewood, Ohio. I also worked on the Mississippi Queen, an inland river cruise passenger boat out of New Orleans, La. I then worked in a factory in Rocky River, Ohio that manufactured helical line products for electrical power lines.
After I retired from the Navy, I worked at AMSEC writing submarine manuals for a short period of time. Then I started to work for Norfolk Naval Shipyard overhauling and repairing both fast attack and Ballistic Missile submarines. I was hired as an Engineering Technician for Code 246.
We would interface with the crew and de-energize, de-pressurize the systems to repair or overhaul the Submarines. Upon completion if repairs we restored the systems, Tested the systems and took the ships out on sea trials. I really enjoyed working with the crews and turning the ships back over to them to return ships to the fleet for active service. Due to health reasons I decided to retire from Norfolk Naval Shipyard Dec. 31st, 2024, and am currently retired.
I met my wife Elizabeth King in 2012 and married in 2014. I have three children from my first marriage, Stepdaughter Lisa, who lives in Ohio and who has two of my grandchildren, Lina and William. My son Jack is a long-haul trucker, and his kids, my grandchildren, Joseph and Lillian. My daughter Raychelle is a Teacher at a private school in Ohio. Stepson Dylan is on active duty in the Marine Corps. Stepdaughter Lauren and her husband Paris who live in West Virginia and their children, my grandchildren, Ember and Luna.
My Kidney issues developed while I was seeing my primary care physician, approximately July of 2019. I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 3, GFR 30-59. The disease slowly progressed and continued to get worse. Then Dec. 30, 2023 I got sick with COVID and they treated me with Remdesivir. At that point my kidneys failed me.
I had a catheter installed in my abdomen March of 2024 to support peritoneal dialysis and started PD dialysis after training. I have been on dialysis since March of 2024. I was able to continue to work and went on second shift to support all my medical appointments during the day. I finished out that year turning 62 in Dec and Retired Dec. 31, 2024.
My limitations are travel due to the equipment and medical supplies needed to support nightly dialysis. Liquid cases are very heavy. It has limited the amount of physical work I can do also. I am getting tired a lot faster now. My diet has changed to support my protein requirements as well.
I enjoy working with my hands and working around our property. We have rescue horses and chickens as well as a dog and some cats. I also enjoy taking my boat out and going fishing. I am also involved with the local Sub Vets group in this area. We support the local Community and NAVY Submarine community by participating in local parades with a WWII Float and local events increasing public awareness of our organizations. I attend Church and enjoy attending events.
After my transplant I really want to do some traveling with my wife and also visit family members that are scattered around the country. I look forward to being able to do things that don’t require being hooked up every night or worry about my fluid intake. I’ve never had the opportunity to enjoy retirement life without being sick.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save William‘s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611