Let me introduce myself.
I am a 57 year old disabled Veteran of the Navy. Honorably discharged due to physical disability as an E-6, MM1(SW/SS). 100% disabled according to Social Security and 70% Service connected according to the VA. I served from 1978 to 1992, 14 years and 1 day in total.
I earned both Surface Warfare and Submarine Warfare specialties. I served aboard SSBN-640, AE-34, SSN-719, and SSBN-628, in that order. I am a Plank Owner for USS Providence (SSN-719), which is also the only vessel I served aboard that is still commissioned.
I held several NEC's including MM-3355 Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Mechanical, MM-4295 Underway Replenishment Mechanic, MM-4245 SSN/SSBN Auxiliary Equipment Technician, and MM-4246 SSN/SSBN Diesel Engine Maintenance Technician.
I was also a Ship's Machinist, a Navy Financial Counselor, Asst Ship's Quality Assurance Officer, and as Asst Command ADP Security Officer for Commander Submarine Group 6.
I was a second generation sailor, my father, uncle and first step father all served in the Navy, My father retired as a Masterchief (E-9), and that was my plan as well, until my injury.
I have recently purchased my first house, using a VA loan, and have just over 1 acre, which I hope to turn into a self sufficient farm, with off the grid backup capability, over the next couple of years.
Politically, I self identified as a democrat for many years, but now I have rejected both parties, and the entire political system as well. Many say that 9/11 changed everything, and that would definitely be true for me. Not the date or the actual attack, but the 9/11 Commission hearings and report. Most people say that there is no smoking gun evidence, no concrete proof, but for me the testimony of Transportation Secretary Minetta was exactly that. The fact that the Commission Report, besides being a report that I would have laughed at and blasted anyone submitting that crap load of "would have" and "should have" to me for even a minor incident, was confirmation enough, since his smoking gun testimony was not even mentioned. All of this coming after the Supreme Court selection of Bush by denying a simple recount let me know that the Constitutional Republic I thought I had served was either an illusion my whole life or had been lost at some point.
At any rate, that was the point which started me on countless hours of research, reading, and soul searching. I pick a subject, sometimes at random, sometimes suggested, and would research it as much as I could from my computer. Being an insomniac, I have had too much time to learn. Education system, Political candidates, their family histories, the wars, attacks, false flag events, suspected and/or confirmed, the use of the military, and it's role, agent provocateurs, Ed Bernays, Freud, etc, etc, etc. Most of my family think I am crazy, but how does a sane person appear to the population in an asylum?
Anyway, I am here with you now, and am looking forward to discussions with a minimum of the name calling and senseless trolling rampant in other platforms. So far I like what I see.
Hi
Welcome to Steemit!
Hi and Thanks!
Welcome to Steem @pappaws I have upvoted and sent you a tip
Thanks much!
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STOPWelcome to steemit
Thank you.
Hi, Pappaws, Let me welcome you to Steemit. Hope you gonna have fun with our community. Feel free to follow me @rightuppercorner Have a great time @rightuppercorner
Followed and thanks.
welcome to steemit, nice
Happy steemit !!! cheers
Cheers to you as well.
Nice introductory post , I look forward to reading more of your posts and seeing what you have to say. Steemit is a great choice.
I have been lurking for about a month, trying to get a feel, and so far it feels like a new home. I have to warn you, tho, I tend to be long winded when I have something to say. I will try to keep things short enough to prevent eye bleeds. Big Grin.
Hahaha thanks for your honesty if it all gets to much I will just unfollow. It is impossible to like everybody.
G'day @pappaws! Welcome to the platform :]
Thanks!
A new Steemian :-) hello @pappaws I hope you enjoy your time here, its a great community ! Nice post, wish you much luck! I will follow your account. Don't hesitate to contact or follow me at any time :-) See you around @tradewonk
Actually, money is my least concern. Not that I have much in RL, but because it is one of the least important measures of a person for me. Same with number of followers. I am much more interested in intelligent discussion and exposure to all shades of opinion, in both subjects I know well, and subjects I have no idea about. More than anything, I crave knowledge, and very much enjoy sharing that knowledge with others while learning from them. Never have been searching for fame nor fortune. Thanks for the welcome and I am looking forward to your feedback.