Wednesday, June 8, 2004

Reagan’s character transformed the life of a young Navy woman

Today I not only remember the 60-year anniversary of D-Day but I am saddened by the passing of former President Ronald Reagan. While serving in the U.S. Navy I was truly blessed to be stationed at the National Naval Medical and Dental Command in Bethesda, Md., during the early to mid-1980s.

During my tour of duty at Bethesda I had the privilege of watching President Reagan’s helicopter land in front of the Bethesda Naval Command where the President would arrive for his medical and dental check-ups.

I remember the thrill and excitement of watching his helicopter land and witnessing the complete hush throughout our Dental Command hallways during the President’s visits. I have several memories and photos of myself along with my other Navy comrades standing on the White House lawn and watching President Reagan’s helicopter land and having him pass within 50 feet from where I was standing. The exhilarating rush I felt during those years at Bethesda is something I have not experienced since.

President Reagan truly transformed my way of thinking where I felt a sense of excitement, a sense of hope, promise and patriotism for my country that I had never felt before.

President Reagan was to me a man of conviction, a man who meant what he said, a man that stood his ground. He was a man who believed in America and how precious our freedom really is.

President Reagan was a man of strength who pulled no punches. To me President Reagan had a quieting sense of strength and conviction that transformed not only me but many world leaders.

My days while stationed at Bethesda National Command were a turning point in my life and I owe so much of that to President Reagan. Before my military days I took my freedom for granted. I took for granted the many sacrifices made by military men and women so that I may enjoy my freedom.

My sense of patriotism was hidden somewhere in the background and something I never really thought about, that is until I joined the U.S Navy and was blessed to be at the perfect duty station.

Today I looked through old photos of President Reagan as he emerges from the helicopter on the White House lawn and how in complete awe I was to be so close to him and to feel so very proud to be an American.

America has lost a great leader who inspired and transformed so many. President Reagan transformed me at the young age of 21 and I am so grateful I had the chance to serve on active duty during his presidency. May President Reagan rest in peace in that shining city on top of that great mountain.

Joanne Consalvo-Mulvaney

Stockbridge, Ga.

[The writer is a U.S Navy veteran and member of the D.A.V and the American Legion.]

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