ISCS Jon C. Altmann

Male

Phoenix, Arizona

United States

Profile Information:

Describe A Little About Yourself (your IP address/location will be checked::
Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist (Ret.) - I have been the "Navy" parent to many sailors. I have served in a command chief slot, served on national command staff, been an instructor and served active and reserve service. I continue to be active in my community and veterans affairs. I am third generation service to our nation. While I have personal decorations/awards, the most profound "award" I received came but a few weeks before my retirement.
I had for several years volunteered time as a senior counselor to Boys State, an honors program for high school seniors put on by the American Legion. One young man who had come to the program one year was in my group. He returned, by invitation of the Legion, a second year as a "junior counselor" to help out after his graduation from high school. He again was assigned to work with me. After that summer, I did not hear from the young man again.
Until three weeks prior to my retirement. I went to my mailbox one day and found a letter postmarked from Great Lakes. The handwritten letter inside from this young man was a letter of thanks for providing him an example and direction in his life. He had chosen to enlist in the Navy and had been academically qualified and accepted to join my Navy career field as an intelligence specialist.
You never know what shadow you cast, whose life you touch. No award or honor given to me equals that letter. It was my report card that I came up to the bar of life. It is something to build on.
What Brought You To This Site:
I am a sailor, other
What Is Your Relationship With Your Sailor
other

Comment Wall:

  • E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin

    Senior Chief Welcome Aboard! Thanks for joining us dads. We are a group very proud of our Sailors and seek what will be in their future in the Navy. My son is an ABE aboard the USS Ronald Reagan currently on its cruise. I know we will gain valuable information that a Senior Chief such as yourself will be able to provide to this site. I want to thank you for your service to this country and I'm proud to have you with us. Thanks again for joining us dads Senior Chief.
    Sincerely, EG

    Nov 17, 2008

  • NavyDads Admin (Paul)

    Welcome to NavyDads Senior Chief! I'm sure you'll find the site as fun and useful as I have. Explore and make some friends, add your comments to a discussion or two, read the postings in the various groups-- even start one or two. I have! I'm lucky enough to have two sailors- my son Eric is almost two months into a seven-month cruise on the carrier Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and my daughter Kat just returned from her seven-month cruise on the carrier Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Thank you for your service to our great Country! Best Regards- Paul

    Nov 17, 2008

  • ISCS Jon C. Altmann

    As someone who has served as a Senior Enlisted Leader and as Dad myself, the parents of our sailors and prospective sailors should know the quality of individuals who are leading America's youth.
    No other service invests so much in its program to provide its youngsters (and all sailors) quality leadership. The "hand-off" from you, the parent, to those who will look after your most treasured loved one is taken very seriously.
    I have been one of those Navy Leaders. Navy Chiefs are selected, among other qualities, based upon their demonstrated ability to provide leadership and exhibit the continuing ability to provide a firm compassion and caring for those that serve alongside them.
    Navy Chiefs not only provide the leadership and development for junior sailors, but we provide the up-bringing and on the job finishing for the junior officers. Sen. John McCain pointed out recently that he credited his success as a Navy Officer to the work and mentoring provided by Navy Chiefs that were in his squadrons.
    My experience is that we get a lot of fine young people into our Navy - smart kids. My job as a Navy Chief was to take the intellect part and continue to mold responsibility, the ability to endure, and fashion a sense of espirit de corps in them, not only for the Navy and nation they serve, but for those around them they serve with.
    One never knows whose life you touch. Navy Chiefs are held to a high standard. We live that high standard so each day we serve in front of others is an example for others to clearly see. We set the bar, as the bar was set for us, and we help each other achieve to come up to that bar.
    In encourage you to ask questions about Navy life. The parents and family members of our sailors are the backstop to their morale. It is important you understand.
    I also encourage other Senior Enlisted Leaders, still serving or retired, to chime in.
    It was such a great privilege in my life to serve and to be entrusted with America's most prized members - its young people. As someone who has served, let me say it has had a profound impact on my life and in my second life after the Navy.
    Whether your Sailor makes the Navy a career, is a member of the Reserve, or simply serves one or two enlistments, they make a profound contribution not only to the lives of this nation, but to their own life and personal development.
    When they come home in that Blue Jacket uniform, you are seeing more than 200 years of tradition and seeing someone who has chosen to take a step onto a path not taken by most of their peers. You are seeing someone who is fully qualified to "stand the watch" and take responsibility, for others, and for their own life.
    It's your Navy, too, and your investment is your son/daughter/loved one. We're honored to have you aboard as part of the extended Navy family.

    Nov 18, 2008