This article I wrote while serving in the U.S. Navy from 1972-1975 stationed with a NATO Command (SACLANT) in Norfolk, Virginia. Being a sailor I was just beginning my military life and also beginning my interest in writing during all that free time. But, I think this writing better details the life of a sailor -I'm sure all you Navy guys out there can relate! Oh, by the way - that's me in the pic at a very young age! ENJOY!

WHAT IS A SAILOR: After the security of childhood and after the insecurity of second childhood we find a group of men whom we call sailors. They come in assorted sizes, weights and states of celebrity. They can be found on ships, in bars or on leave, in love and always in debt.Girls love them and taverns tolerate them and the government supports them. A sailor is laziness with a deck of cards, bravery with a gun and protection of the seas with a copy of “Playboy”. He has the energy of a turtle, the slyness of a fox, the stories of a sea captain, the inspiration of a casanova and when he wants something it is usually shore leave. He dislikes answering letters, his uniform, superior officers, stoppage of leave and getting up on time. No one else can cram into one pocket a little black book, a Marilyn Monroe calendar, a pack of cards, a beer can opener and what is left of last months pay. He likes to spend money foolishly. A sailor is a magic creature. You can lock him out of your heart; you can put him off your mailing list, but not off your mind. He’s everything women dream about, some of what captains curse at; an underestimated gentleman and one of the few groups of non-swimmers alive to venture on open waters in frail craft.