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Shannon Estep veteran of the USS Harry Truman tells about her experiences aboard a carrier.
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I was stationed on board the USS Harry S Truman for a little under 2 years (2003-2005) and was honorably discharged on Sept 12th 2005, which means I reported to boot camp on Sept 13th 2001. It was supposed to be the 12th but that was pushed back. My rate was Aviation Ordnance and I was stationed at Roosevelt Roads Puerto Rico and transfered to the ship when the base closed. I have many interesting stories, sleeping next to a radiation sign, falling down a volcano, fighting with my weight, being a female AO, and dealing with medical just to name a few just like everyone else but what I would like to share is a poem I wrote when I had been home for about 2 years. Being home and thinking about what all I went through really put things into perspective. Well here it goes...
HOME ALL ALONG
I left home knowing
I would eventually return
Pick up where I left off
When I walked off the stern
I was away from home
For four lonely years
Never realizing what was made
Of my blood, sweat, and tears
Through all the salt I shed
I joined the ranks of those past
All the sailors before me
Whose flags flew on the mast
I didn't realize it then
I was part of an elite crew
A crew who shed all the salt
In the seas, so big and so blue
They sweat, bled, and cried
For reasons I will never know
But their sacrifices I will respect
And honor I will bestow
I didn't know it at the time
But their voices were always there
Echoing through the entire ship
Reminding me that I'm their heir
Hold your head high and proud
That is what they would say
Don't forget who and what you are
Each and every day
You are a sailor
No matter what in life you do
You will always have a home
On the big ocean blue
So I thought I was coming home
To where I belong
Not knowing I had been
Home all along
Thanks for your time and thanks for this show. Its great for people to see what exactly people go through on board a navy ship.
AOAN Shannon Estep USS Harry S Truman 03-05 IYAOYAS!!! |
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