Chief West

Male

Hockley, TX

United States

Profile Information:

Your Sailor's First Name (Please Do Not Post SEAL Names)
Zachary
What Is Or Will Be Your Sailor's Rating (Job Classification) - ex. ABE, AM, GM, etc
AME2(AW)
Describe A Little About Yourself (your IP address/location will be checked::
Navy Chief raised a future Navy Chief!
Prior Military Experience
Proud Navy Veteran, Desert Storm Veteran, Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, Iraqi Freedom Veteran
What Brought You To This Site:
My son is currently serving, I am a veteran
What Were Your Feelings When Your Sailor Joined The Navy:
Pride and relief
What Is Your Relationship With Your Sailor
Dad

Comment Wall:

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  • Dawn

    Hi Chief West: thought you might enjoy knowing that the sailor of the week is mine :)

    Jul 26, 2010

  • NavyDads Admin (Paul)

    Chief....I'm lurking here, but read your reply to Jim...his sailor's rate is AECF according to Thomas' profile.......

    Nov 17, 2010

  • Thomas Lienhart

    Chief West,

    Thanks for contacting me.
    Rachels first and only choice from the get go was the Navy. Her Grandfather and Great Grandfather both served. She mentioned an an interest in the Military, she said Navy would be her choice and we went and spoke with a recruiter. She took the ASVAB test the first day we went in. We weren't expecting a test but Rachel took it, & scored above 700. A week later she decided she wanted to sign up.
    As far as choosing to be AECF; it was in no way forced or thrust on her. They gave her an idea of what it entailed, the pay, the ranking, etc, & she decided to go for it. Her specific job will be a FireControlman. She has a bit of schooling ahead, but I think she is/was ok with that. She started getting discouraged due to a delay between Bootcamp and start of A school. There was almost 6 weeks delay before she finally started.
    When she joined, she had a boyfriend, a Marine, who is 5 years older than she. Her mom & I didn't approve but she continued a long distance relationship w/him. He has been in Afghanistan for the past several months & will probably be there for awhile. He recently sent her a ring, said he wants to marry her. Again, her Mom and I do not approve; we hardly know this young man. Shes 19, only out of High School for 6 months! This is when we started seeing unusual behavior,saying she "wants out" of the Navy, she's stressed out, etc. We now think this guy is pressuring her. I was able to speak to him a few weeks ago. I asked him to back off and let Rachel grow up, focus on her career and committment to the Navy.

    I apologize for the long story but this is what I believe is happening. Chief West, please keep this confidential. I actually called Rachels recruiter,he was going to try contacting her. He also knows this is not like Rachel. I will be seeing her over Thanksgiving and am excited to spend time with her!

    Any advice you might have I welcome. Thanks very much Chief West for contacting me.
    Sincerely,
    Thomas

    Nov 22, 2010