Joseph M. Jerome, CWO4 USN/USNR, 1954-1992 It is not surprising that most of us enjoyed similar experiences in becoming members of the world's finest organization, United States Naval Security Group. It's demise, as we knew it, will be a regret until the last member is gone. For me, other than marrying my wife, Joan, it was the greatest endeavor of my life as well as the most gratifying. I had joined the local National Guard unit as a junior in HS and, after several months of training and testing, received temporary (brevet) commissioning as 2ndLt. In that the Korean Conflict was in full tilt the unit was activated. Luckily, the few us us not yet having graduated HS were given the opportunity to do so. The stickler was that immediately upon graduation we were to report to the nearest Army facility for further orders. Those choosing to go on to college were given extensions on the agreement. Needless to say, I went from HS directly to U. of Wyo. and hoped for the best. After finishing the second quarter of my second year I happened to be talking with a campus recruiter who, in turn, told me I could go into the Navy and curtail my Army commitment. Four months later found me trying to decide a career path. I will be forever grateful to the PNC who advised me to strike for the Communications Technician rating. And then, to the Bureau detailer who took me off Adak and transferred me to NRS Chiniak. It was that tour of duty that endeared me to NAVSECGRU. I spent 21 years on active duty retiring as a CTRCS(SS) then returned home to finish school. Shortly thereafter I was approached by the XO of the local Reserve Unit advising me that there was a Reserve NavSecGru unit but was in fear of being deactivated due to lack of knowledgeable leadership. Could I help? Without hesitation I joined the Reserves Unit, was commissioned CWO2, and thoroughly enjoyed another nine years of (almost) SecGru duty. Friendships made at Imperial Beach, Adak, Chiniak, et al, have lasted these many years and I still have the pleasure of visiting with many of them. These friends are, as you all are, the Cream of the Crop. I can not believe that any other group of people could be of higher quality. I salute you. Joe Jerome CTRCS(SS)/CWO4 (Ret) '54-'75 (USN) '76-'86 (USNR) Imperial Beach Adak Chiniak Wahiawa NSA Okinawa Taiwan Cheltenham Northwest Wahiawa UNCC