Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Jamestown Naval Reserve Chiefs' and Officers' Mess



AUTHOR'S NOTE:  On May 31, 2014, I was privileged to address the annual dinner of this organization.  Forty years ago, after returning from active duty in Vietnam, I drilled at the Jamestown Naval Reserve Center.  In those days, we required to stay involved in the reserves for about three years upon conclusion of our active duty commitment.

Though this Reserve Center has been closed now for over ten years, those who became friends during the days it was open, continue to meet annually through what is called the “Chiefs’ and Officers’ Mess.”   Last Saturday night I spoke to the group about the book Backtracking in Brown Water.

I received a wonderful reception and also renewed some old friendships.  It has always amazed me how common experiences serving in the military live on in organizations like this.  It is a tribute to a camaraderie which develops and which is not easily explained unless you were a part of it.

Rolland Kidder

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