USS Whitehurst Logo by: Pat Stephens, Webmaster, DESA
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Rod Storz RD2 |
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Name: Rod Storz. Entered the Navy in December,
1950. Boot camp in San Diego. Went aboard the Whitehurst in May, 1951, as a
Seaman Apprentice in the deck force. The ship was moored alongside the
Impedence, a power generating barge, in Pusan, South Korea. Struck for
Radarman eventually becoming RD2 before leaving the ship. Erv Mueller, a WWII
veteran, and an excellent man, was in charge of the gang. Discharged,
honorably, in October, 1954.
I was born in South Dakota, 1932. Raised in
Wyoming and Idaho. Loved sports. An excellent boxer, a sport I detested, was a
good football player, a sport I enjoyed, an a poor basketball player, a sport
I loved. Dropped out of high school twice, once as a sophomore and again
during my first senior year. Finally, after 5 years, and with a little help
from Mr. Wicks, the school superintendent and a kindly old gentlemen, God rest
his soul, I received my diploma. Six months later I was in the Navy.
My post Navy working career was in the commercial
testing area and then many years in lab, polyolefin and wood product adhesives
research and eventually field tech service. A total of almost 40 years. Since
retirement I have been employed as a bus driver for a company which provides a
rider service for handicapped and elderly persons that are unable to access
standard public transportation. Starting my 12th year driving as of last June
1st, 2008.
I met my wife, Bobbie Sue Jennings, while working
for a commercial testing lab. We were building a Naval air strip out of
Kingsville, Texas. I met Bobbie in Alice, Texas. We were married three months
later, September 15, 1956. Bobbie died June 11, 2008. Two adopted children,
Steve, 48 this fall, lives in Taos N.M., and Kallyn, 45, lives in Aloha,
Oregon. Both wonderful people.
I golf a lot now. Need to get rid of a cataract.
I now share my life
with a Lhasa Apso and two Shih Tzu pups.
Rod Storz 07/19/08
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