I recall the first day that I was on a ship. My squadron was deployed to the USS Kitty Hawk for a Western Pacific cruise. Now, if you have ever seen an aircraft carrier, you realize how easy it is to get lost. After searching for almost forty-five minutes, I finally found the squadron’s personnel office. Everybody was busy unpacking and stowing their gear because we had just arrived at the ship, and seemed to have no time for this young, lost, and very confused airman apprentice who was just trying to take care of the paperwork necessary to get another stripe added to his uniform. The door that led to the officer’s ready room opened and in stepped a commander. He surveyed the compartment to see what was going on, and his eyes very quickly landed on me. He walked over to where I was and with a kind and gentle smile asked, “Can I help you, sir?” I would like to thank USN Commander Robert E. Baratko, my commanding officer in VAQ-130, for teaching me what it really means to be a leader.
Last, but certainly not least, my brother, Dusty, whom I thank not only for his service to our great country but his very valuable input on military matters, as well as his rditing—I mean, editing—tips.
“A big point many people don’t quite understand is—generally speaking, military people are the most peace-loving people around. We have the most to lose. It’s never about glory or wanting to kill and destroy for most of us; it’s about wanting peace. But we have a job to do and will keep doing it until told otherwise, or the job is actually complete.”
About the Author
Brett Ashton is a United States Navy veteran who served as an aviation electronics technician aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during the last years of the Cold War. He became a World War II enthusiast following his first visit to Pearl Harbor. Currently, he is an electronics technician and musician. He has also extensively studied practical philosophy, which he became interested in during his travels around the world.
Also by Brett Ashton
Lucifer’s Pocket
Copyright
Vengeance: Hatred and Honor
Brett Ashton
Copyright © 2010 Brett Ashton. All rights reserved.
Printed Edition published by Wheatmark
610 East Delano Street, Suite 104, Tucson, Arizona 85705 U.S.A.
ISBN: 978-1-60494-459-4
LCCN: 2010926075