Jones, Gary E., RM3

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE COAST GUARD?
Near the end of summer, 1965 I was enrolled in a local community college, tuition all paid, books all purchased, jus waiting for classes to start. I was going to study business administration with the ultimate goal to be an accountant or CPA. One day mom said "why don't you go see what the Coast Guard recruiter has to say"? I had no idea where that came from, but later figured she was worried I would be drafted and end up in Vietnam. So, off to Portland (Oregon) one afternoon and to the CG recruiters office. When I came home I broke the news that I was all signed up and would be going to boot camp in November. Funny thing is - moms idea didn't work - I did go to Vietnam with CGRon 3 on the USCGC Barataria.

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?
My "career path" was mostly influenced by my CC in boot camp I guess. As everyone knows, we all took tests to see where we best fit in the Coast Guards "big picture". I was told my scores indicated I was best suited to be a Radioman and he asked if I wanted to go to school. I wanted to get into the aviation field in the worst way, so I kept asking him if they had radiomen in aviation - his answer was no. Well then, do my scores indicate anything I can do in aviation. This time his answer indicated I was getting on his nerves and he said - you can either go to Radio School, or get sent to a ship and that would be it. It didn't take me long to take the offer to Radio School. So I guess to answer the question "what wasa your service career path" - that's where it started, and it ended on the 311's I was on as a Radioman. A decision I never regretted and a career I always enjoyed.

IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
My ship, the CGC Barataria WHEC-381 was involved in several combat operations while in CGRon 3 1967-68. So, in that respect I was involved - my GQ station during our naval gunfire support missions was on the bridge. I recall one night we inched our way towards shore - one of my jobs was to monitor the depth of the water beneath the keel (fathometer). I kept reporting every so many feet until I got to where the captain wanted to be - "12 inches of water beneath the keel sir". We sat there, with the breakers on shore in sight and completed our mission with our 5" .38. I still can't believe we were that close to the shore and in that shallow of water.

OF ALL THEIR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY HE/SHE HAD FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS THEIR LEAST FAVORITE?
I suppose the Barataria was the vessel I had the fondest memories of. She was my first - going aboard in August 1966 frest our of Radio School. I served on her until we left her in Alameda in 1968. From there, I went to the CGC Castle Rock (WHEC-383). I was sent to Boston where we picked her up and moved her to Portland, Maine. I served on her until I was discharged in November 1969. During that time, I pulled a little shore duty. The Castle Rock was due for a "kiddy cruise" (Cadet cruise) and they needed the space,so I was asked if I'd like to stay in Portland and a temporary assignment to Base So. Portland. Since my fiance and I were trying to find a date when we could get married, I jumped at the chance and I went to So. Portland. I'd have to say Base So. Portland was my next fondest memory. I had a great time there and begged to stay. Unfortunately, begging does nothing in the Coast Guard.

FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
I can't pick one specific memory that really stands out above the rest - there are many many memories I have that all stand out. It all was certainly a learning experience and a time to grow up. I think we tend to forget the bad times. As a result, all the good times stand out.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
I don't think any of the medals or ribbons I received are more meaningful than the others with the possible exception of the Vietnam Service Medal. I suppose that would have to be the most meaningful because it means I helped in that war, in some small way. I'm very proud of that.

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
After stints in a service station (emphasis on Service!), a very poor salesman and finally a carpenter (where I learned many skills), I ended up applying for and being hired by the local County Sheriff's Office. I served in that capacity for 26 years, retiring as a Sergeant. Went back 1 week later on contract and worked another 4 years! Then finally decided that was enough. Now? I guess you could say I went from bad to worse - I drive a school bus part time!