Joel Nichols,  CTR3 USN/USNR 1963-1969

I have two older brothers.  One joined the Navy and was attached to the 7th fleet as a signalman. 
He is an Atomic Veteran.  The other joined 6 years later and became a radioman that never left 
NAS Alameda which was only 80 miles from our home.

I had a couple of years of college under my belt so I joined the Naval Reserves and, of course, 
decided to become a radioman as well.

After Boot Camp in San Diego I was assigned to Schools command Skagg’s Island California.  
Three weeks before the end of our class which consisted of 27, we were reduced to a class 
of 3 and our radioman training took on a new and interesting twist.  I was to become a CTR 
whatever that was.

Between active and active reserves I found myself on 4 Islands and never set foot on the 
deck of a boat or ship.  Yet, thanks to Adak, I was classified as having sea duty.

My Islands were, Treasure Island in SF bay while in transit;  Adak, Alaska,  
Skaggs Island (twice).  Imperial Beach, Ca which I believe is an island, perhaps not.  Oh well…..

I was an R brancher.  Having flunked typing in High School, It surprised me how fast 
I was typing after Adak.  I went back to college and took beginning typing.  I needed 
a good grade as they had kicked me out of college before I went on active duty.  
I passed with an A.  Whew….

So that’s my story and I am sticking to it.

To all of you CTs out there as well as all those that were in the service.  
Thank you and may God bless you,

Joel Nichols  CTR3
Tyler, Texas