I left Shelby 3 months after graduation to enter Navy Boot Camp in San Diego California. It was as they say a growth experience for me. It was the height of the Vietnam War and cultural shock is real. 13 weeks later I was a Seaman Apprentice and in electronics "A" School. Nearly half a year later, Petty Officer 3rd class and a different person. The next year and a half was went by in Nuclear Power and Submarine schools before my military occupation really began.