Crossroads
Personal
There’s a whole world out there, and I’ve seen a good part of it.
I grew up in eastern Kentucky. Entertainment was hanging out at the mall. I got a job in the health field, but an injury put an end to that. I decided to enlist in the Navy.
The Navy gave me something I wouldn’t find many other places - camaraderie and travel opportunities. I have been to Guam, Bahrain, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Afghanistan among other places. Dealing with people from different cultures, where they live, how they live, how they interact, I just love all of that.
I am into my third enlistment and intend to eventually retire from the Navy. I then want to get into restaurant management. But while I am still in the Navy, I will be taking culinary arts classes, and the Navy will pick up a good chunk of my tuition.
I am really big on the Navy and what it can do for you. In fact, sometimes when I go home to visit, I speak at my old high school and tell the kids about the opportunities available to them in the Navy.
– Robert McCoy
Petty Officer Second Class, Gunner’s Mate
