Interviewed by:

Shaye Ellard and Lisa Funfrock

" I encourage anyone I talk to that the sky is the limit right now in
the military, females, minorities "

~ Jim Hempel (00:24:12)

Jim Hempel's Story:

Within the years of 1968 to 1995, Jim Hempel, a current resident of Dennis, Massachusetts, served the United States of America in the US Navy. Mr. Hempel was born on April 18, 1946 in New Jersey. His father served after WWII during the Korean War and retired as a major from the army. When Mr. Hempel returned from college in Ohio he received a draft notice in the mail and immediately enlisted in the Boston Navy yard in hopes of avoiding the army.

Mr. Hempel had an extensive military career, traveling around the world, being on various tours and aircraft carriers. Beginning his career in the Navy, Mr. Hempel went to a NATO base in Naples, Italy for two and a half years before setting off on the USS Saratoga traveling around the world visiting numerous countries and nations. Over his years serving, Mr. Hempel fought in North Vietnam stationed at the Gulf of Tonkin. Various tours following Vietnam lead Mr. Hempel to countries such as Norway, London and states back in the US such as Hawaii and Florida. Mr. Hempel spent much of his time on aircraft carriers but also worked on nuclear operations as well as logistics.

Mr. Hempel's demanding job and constant movement made it difficult to always be in touch with his steadily growing family. Unlike today, technology was not as advanced therefore communication while off land was difficult. There was no skype, twitter, facebook, etc. so the only real means of communication was letters which were unreliable in the speed at which they were sent out. Often times communication between himself and his family was spread out, but he managed to be present for both of his daughters births at naval hospitals.

Regardless of all the hardships associated with war and the navy, Mr. Hempel does not regret a thing from his many years of service. He encourages everyone he meets to think about joining the Navy. Mr. Hempel's strong dedication and commitment to our countries Navy is extremely honorable and brave.