News Story by: PCCM
Gil Hough, USN (Ret)
“ Why Join the NPCA
Association”
The Navy Times dated October 25, 1960, nearly forty six (46)
years ago announced those selected for the Postal Clerk (PC) rating and it was
born; 644 personnel switched ratings to become the elite of the elite; those
who served and cared.
It seems the older I become, the more nostalgic I become; I
was seventeen (17) in 1960. One thing remains certain is that I was proud to
serve my fellow sailors and provide valuable morale from home. I have great
memories of our rating and friendships that I have made over the past 46 years.
The Postal Clerk rating is being merged into Store Keeper
(SK) along with several other supply ratings. The various ratings as we once
knew them are forever changing.
I remain grateful to our modern day warriors responsible for
safeguarding our freedom. I salute them, envy them, and pray for them.
The NPCA Association provides a forum for camaraderie. We
have a NPCA Reunion every other year with the next being held in Norfolk or Virginia
Beach in 2008 and being arranged by two old time
Master Chiefs’, Mike Patras and Mike Dwyer.
Our website
provides a lot of information about us and is a living memorial to those who
have departed early known as “Shipmates Forever”. We have searched various
archives and found over 130 who have left us prematurely.
The cost to be a member is a mere $20 for two years. Join
and hear some swashbuckling tales of the self appointed Mayor of Olongapo;
known as one Abel Quinones and other wild tales from yesteryear. Additionally,
we have several members who can provide some great counsel, advice and
assistance in your time of need!
Come join the group and have fun, recapture memories, and
see old friends.
See you in Virginia!
Aloha
