Don Brown’s Youth
“A great day for my parents and me was the one in which I began life in 1933, in Compton, California.
“I attended the Liberal Arts Division of Long Beach City College and majored in Engineering.
“After I completed one year at LBCC, I began my military service. From my naval service, I returned to LBCC for a year, then went to San Diego State University to obtain a mechanical engineering degree.
Margie and I had met at LBCC. We married in 1959. We have 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 5 grandchildren.”
Military life
I chose to sign up with the US Coast Guard, where I participated in basic training. I took varied institute courses. My first ship was on a WW II Destroyer escort.
As our men served on a 10 square mile Ocean Station in the Pacific, we were allowed to use the lifeboats for our recreation as well as for safety training. Whenever we heard the “Abandon Ship” call, we’d paddle the life boats hopefully, out of enemy range.
One frightening experience was when I reported for duty in the Philippines. I heard someone yell “get down” I learned the local Communist natives were firing at our base entrance again.
I ended my naval career as a Radarman 2nd class.
I love to tell my sea stories that vary from releasing weather balloons to going aground on Midway Island.
Civilian life
“After I finished college, I worked at General Dynamics in San Diego. When the work there slowed, I returned to the Long Beach area and became employed by North American Aviation, and TRW in Redondo Beach.
“I became assistant manager of my design group. Several articles of my major projects have been printed in the newspapers.
“I am proudest of my special project, ‘The Viking Mission to Mars.’ I was also the Work Package Manager on the unit that tested for life on Mars. The mockup is in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC.
“Sailing became our family affair. Margie and our daughters took sailing lessons. They really preferred competitive swimming. Many weekends were spent working at swim meets or sailboat racing, and cruising to Catalina.
“We have done extensive worldwide traveling while cruising through the Panama Canal, and touring in Scandinavia, also enjoyed a recent 30-day cruise around South. America, Cape Horn, and up to Sao Paolo. We have been to New Zealand three times.
“I have served as Commodore of the Southern California Yachting Association Because of my position, I led the group, putting on the sailing events of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games where I served as Director of Competition for the sailing events.
“These experiences led to friendships with people all over the world. I went to Korea in 1987 to teach their boating people how to prepare for sailboat racing.
“Occasionally, I swap tales with fellow seamen.”
Veteran life
“It was my pleasure to join American Legion Post 857 in Seal Beach and serve as 2nd Vice-Commander. Margie is a very active member of the Ladies Auxiliary.
“Even though I am partially disabled, Margie and I strongly believe and support our veterans groups. I urge all new veterans of recent wars to join a veterans organization, especially for the information and benefits they may need to know about.
“It’s also a pleasure to participate in our national holiday ceremonies in Eisenhower Park, and to contribute back to our local communities.
Bill Thomas of Rossmoor is a Veteran of World War II and Past Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4048, And American Legion Post 857. Contact Bill at:
vvbthomas@gmail.com
Veterans meetings:
Meetings of the Seal Beach American Legion Post 857, and the S. B Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4048 are held in Building 6 of the Naval Weapons Station on Seal Beach Boulevard (south of Westminster Avenue.)
A “Social Hour” starts at 6 p.m. Meetings start at 7 p.m. The American Legion meets on the third Tuesday. The VFW meets on the fourth Tuesday. A gate pass is required. For more information, contact Bill Thomas at (562) 431-7795.
