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SSG James J. Petrik Age 35, from Nickerson. Stationed:
Tong Du Chon (TDC), South Korea.
I graduated Nickerson High School in 1985. On 3 Feb 1986 I joint the U.S.Army Reserves as a Military Policeman. My 1st unit was 346th MP Co (eg), that was it's name back then. I was with them for 3.5 years and thought they would never see any action so I went on active duty. With the 346th, I participated in Team Spirit 1987, Ft McCoy 88, Pinion Canyon 89, If any one remembers a ROTC cadet, last name McKelroy, he was on active duty as a Food Service Sergeant and was promoted to Sergeant First Class June 2001. Also in 1997 ROTC cadet William Williams was a Captain at Ft Jackson and last seen at FT Irwin, CA at the rank of Major.
I thought as a reservist I was not going to see any action so I enlisted to go on active duty in Aug 1989. I was the army's first 91A/EMT medical specialist. I was Stationed with HHC 1/17th Inf (light), Ft. Richardson, Alaska. I was not alone. I had Eric Engle N.H.S. class of 1988 there to accompany me. While in Alaska I was deployed to the Sinai Penisula and part of Task Force 1-17 to help support the Multi-National Forces and Observers (that operation was set up during President Carter's administration). While in Sinai I saw the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. I toured the valley of the kings and climbed Mount Sinai. I also found out that there is a town in Egypt called Bum Fuk (pronounced Booomm Foookk). I took some time to see Israel (that is a beautiful country). I saw Jerusalem, Bethlehem, also relaxed in Tel Aviv (also that place was just like America). In Aug of 90 we all know what happened and I thought I would go to war but no. however the Hutchinson KS. MPs went. In 1992 I participated in Cobra Gold, in Kurat, Thailand. While there I saw and met Miss Universe 1992 in Bangkok, and also found out there was a port there named Phuk Et (pronounced Fooo Kaaay). August 1993 I got out of the Army to hunt and fish for a year in Alaska.
I missed the Army so in October of 1994 I came back in and had to reclass to 92Y supply technician. That training sent me to Ft Lee, Va. were I was for approx 2 months. I saw Washington D.C. and toured a lot of the Civil War Battlefields. In December 1994 I was Stationed at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina (home of the Movie Renaissance Man). I was there for 4 years. I was at Ft Jackson Soldier Of the Quarter. While there I had the chance to see Florida, Georgia, and Myrtle Beach (met the Gatlin Brothers, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Alabama, Reba MacEntire, and Miss Dolly Parton). I also saw a bunch of NASCAR CAR RACING.
In October 1997 I was sent to Ft Bliss, TX. I received a set back when I had to have surgery on my back, I lost 2 discs due to an injury. I had the pleasure of working in a position where few people had the chance, to provide logistical data for a battalion (approx 400 families) to move from Germany to El Paso, TX. While in Texas I Saw San Antonio, (river walk), Tombstone, AZ, Roswell, New Mexico, as well as trips to Mexico. While stationed there, I was sequestered on a capital murder case. The person was guilty and sentenced to life in prison. He has to stand trial in another capital murder trial. Moral: (STAY OUT OF GANGS. THAT LIFE STYLE IS NOT AN OPTION. YOU EVENTUALLY GET NOWHERE) My Brother Tom (Petty Officer Petrik, U.S. Navy) got station at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
In February 2001 I went back to Ft Lee for a 2 months for advanced training and then sent to Korea where I got Stationed in Camp Casey. 2-9 inf Bn. Same Battalion that was commanded by LTC Collin Powell (same man that is the Secretary of State). While here I have seen Seoul (currently here writing this while on vacation). I have been to the Demilitarized Zone DMZ. Life here is very different. There are things that I miss, especially the Sun Shine Burger w/ curly Fries, drinking coffee with Skip Russell, Kenny Burgess and Larry Switzer. I miss working on cars with my friend Bud Sherbert, and what I would give for a peanut butter hot fudge malt from the little shop catty corner from Wens One. If you are of age go to the Bobb Inn Tavern and drink one for me from the tap.
I never saw war like the 346th MP Co. but I have been blessed with good health. I guess I was also blessed enough to be able to fulfill the above quote and I will continue to finish to see the world. I just hope that maybe this will motivate some one to have dreams and to fulfill them.
Respectfully
SSG JAMES J PETRIK
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