Toiling in my Ship’s Boiler Room was a Priceless, Life-Changing Opportunity

When people find out I am a veteran they sometimes say, “Thank you for your service.” That’s a nice sentiment, but I don’t feel like I deserve thanks; and no, I’m not being humble. I am the one who is grateful for the opportunity the Navy gave me.

When I joined and went to boot camp in January 1979, I was an 18-year-old high school dropout with no direction and little self-esteem. The Navy gave me a fresh start and a chance to prove myself. It gave me a time-tested, well-honed system of training and leadership. It taught me leadership – how to be led and to lead myself and others.