Retired Navy Chief

[Boeing Guy]

Hi,
I moved up to a 2004 Winnebago Journey from a 2006 Jayco Eagle 5th wheel. Had the 5er for 4 years but never moved it, it stayed at a camp resort. Had planned to pay it off and buy a truck when I retire from Boeing next year but this MH came along and it was too good to pass up. Retired in 1983 as an ADC. Any airdales out there, or carrier sailors? Been a camper for a long time but mostly tents. Looking forward to retiring and seeing the US. Do I ned to do something special to "join" this forum? I think I belong to the Winnebago forum but I am not sure. I am looking for friendship and advice. I feel comfortable around military people and look forward to visiting military campgrounds. Always looking for ways to save a buck. Not for the sake of saving money, but so I have more to spend elsewhere. Been frugal all my life but don't mind spending money to have fun. I turn 64 tomorrow, and wife just got her first SS check today. Hope to do my share to boost the economy next year when I retire. Life is good.

[kenyonman]

Hello and Welcome Chief. This is the best site on the web for RV advice and information. Post often of your adventures.

[rjf7g]

Welcome to the forum. Thank you for your service.

[W4RLR]

Welcome aboard, Chief! We military types have to stick together.

[WeBeGone2]

Airdale...ADR1 from back in the late 60's and early70's. Helo carrier. Had fun incountry. Welcome to this forum. I have been on it for better then a year and have learned quite abit. No BS just the facts. Enjoy your time here. Look at other than your mfg since most of us have the same fridge, water heater etc. Great source of info.

[Shellback1]

Hi chief, retired AMS here was in VF-84 attached to the USS Independence CVA-62 at the Golf of Tonkin "65".

[Arch Hoagland]

Welcome Chief...
ETN2 1963 to 1967

U.S.S. Neversail NavComStaWashDC

Joined the Navy to see the world and was stationed 200 miles from home at a communications station in Annapolis for three years. One year at Great Lakes training center.
Have now seen all 50 states and Europe but on my own dime.
Found the Navy to be a million dollars experience I wouldn't pay a penny to relive....

[Boeing Guy]

Webegone,
What helo carrier? I was on the USS Randolph and Wasp with HS-7 and HS-11 in the 60s. I was an ADJ

[Spikester]

glad to have you aboard.

You know there only 2 types of crafts in the Navy, Submarines and "Targets"!

EMCS(SS) Retired.

Spike

[Sandman]

They are ALL targets.. they can run but they can't hide..

ATC.. P-3 Sailor..

[Submustang]

Look into joining SMART, it is a National group of retired, active duty and recently military veterans. There are chapters all over the country that hold frequent rallies (musters). Its on the web at www.smartrving.net.

[WeBeGone2]

USS Princeton LPH 5. Was a CVA? in WWII. It is now razor blades.

[Old Snipe]

Welcome aboard Chief, from a former Coast Guard Chief Machinery Technician (MKC). Sold out for the pension in January 2004 and took CWO.

Retiring next summer and hitting the road full time in our Journey. You'll find get information, friendship and help here on this forum.

Best Regards!

[Boeing Guy]

I'm not a real big "joiner" but i do like Camaraderie and associating with like minded people. I am wondering what kinds of organizations people join. Someone suggested SMART. I have looked into it but wonder about the benefits. I guess membership has dwindled and so the base was expanded to include veterans not necessarily retired, and that has upset some purists who don't want to associate with non-retired. My point is, I have seen this happen before. Often groups are looking more for exclusion as oppsed to inclusion, infighting starts and the group just becomes subfactions fighting each other. I don't want to join a group and just send them money if I won't really get any benefit from belonging. When I reread my first sentence, it sounds very narrowminded but what I meant to say was I am interested in belonging to RV groups for Camaraderie and information. I am intersted in visiting military campgrounds. I have been to a few (Mountian Home ID AFB and NAS Oceana, FL). They seemed nice but I was just visiting, not camping. They seem pretty nice and less expensive than civilian places.

I also am loking for an emergency service. I know that even with the best planning, stuff happens and RVer have to be prepared for contingencies. I was concerned that my RV (2004 Winnebago Journey) does not have a spare. It was explained to me that you would have to carry two, (one inside and outside) and that most (65 year old) RVers could not or should not try to change a 22.5 inch tire on the side of the road. So if you have a flat, you call a truck service. Any suggestions for emergency service. I have read good things about Good Sams emergency service.

I hope to retire in 2011. Plans are still up in the air. We have a 5th wheel that we bought and kept at a camp resort planning to buy a truck when we retire. This MH came up and my bride batted her baby blues and made some promises she has yet to keep, and I need to sell the 5er. We have it at a consignment lot, but it was pretty late last year so i hope it sells in spring. Any suggestions on selling a used RV?

Thanks for the encouragement. Merry Christmas. Maybe I'll see some of you folks on the road sometime.