The Naval Sea Cadet program was fairly new, at least in the Detroit area, when I joined in September 1969. I stumbled upon it while attending my weekly Boy Scout Troop meeting, when our assistant scoutmaster, James Hannan, told me he also was volunteering with the Naval Sea Cadet program.
Mr. Hannan knew I was obsessed with joining the U.S. Navy. My oldest brother had joined the Navy right after high school, and he has always been my number one role model. So, at age 15, I joined the Naval Sea Cadets.
Traveling to the Broadhead Naval Armory for weekly drills was a challenge because I didn’t have a car. Depending on the bus schedule, it could take more than an hour of travel time one way. But I was committed and excited, so the travel time did not bother me.
After a few months in the program, I was transformed. I learned about setting goals and about roles and responsibilities, team building, citizenship, and developing my own core values, which evolved into what I now call my “3Ds”—Determination, Dedication, and Discipline.
Having grown up in a fairly tough neighborhood, I always knew I wanted something better for myself, and as I watched my oldest brother succeed in school and in the Navy, I envisioned being just like him. I knew it would be hard work, but I was eager to learn, and joining the Naval Sea Cadets opened a whole new world for me. It provided me access to some phenomenal role models, who by their time and patience taught my fellow cadets and me the value of learning and how to use it to help others. They also taught me how to think for myself and showed me that courage and confidence are key ingredients to success.
As it turned out, I didn’t quite follow in my brother’s footsteps, as I decided to join the U.S. Coast Guard. However, I credit the Naval Sea Cadets for my decision, because my three years in the program allowed me to find my own voice and gave me the confidence to follow my own path. Becoming Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard is evidence that the Naval Sea Cadet program really worked for me.