Steven Markle

Stevenn Markle Navy Interview

Adam Sheaffer: [00:00:00] All right. So first, what's your name?

Steven Markle: [00:00:03] Stevenn Markle. M-A-R-K-L-E

Adam Sheaffer: [00:00:08] And which branch of the military were you in?

Steven Markle: [00:00:14] United States Navy.

Adam Sheaffer: [00:00:16] And what was your role and rank?

Steven Markle: [00:00:19] I was a third class petty officer. Upon my separation and my MOS, I was an anti-submarine warfare operator, aviation warfare specialist.

Adam Sheaffer: [00:00:33] And when and why did you join the military?

Steven Markle: [00:00:37] Well, Vietnam was still going on. And really as an only child, I think I was looking for a way to break the bonds that, you know, cut the umbilical cord from my parents. It was the only honorable way to do that. And I was looking for a challenge. I was looking to serve my country. And I really didn't know what I wanted to do in life. I didn't want to go to college because I didn't really have an interest in a particular field. But I felt the military had something to offer me, and I pursued that. And I have no regrets.

Adam Sheaffer: [00:01:30] And which wars did you serve in during your time in the military?

Steven Markle: [00:01:36] I enlisted directly out of high school in '72. I interned under the delayed entry program early in 1973. Vietnam was still, still hot, and initially I enlisted as a corpsman. However, in boot camp, I chose to switch my field of endeavor to an aviation field and chose anti-submarine warfare and helicopters. And quite an exciting career.

Adam Sheaffer: [00:02:18] And what lessons did you learn while you were in the Navy?

Steven Markle: [00:02:24] Never give up. Perseverance. Respect for your brothers. Your crew. That's all it really matters. Is the people next to you, when it gets serious.

Adam Sheaffer: [00:02:50] And what are some of your favorite memories of your time in the Navy?

Steven Markle: [00:02:57] The travel. Seeing the world. From one end to the other. And experiencing different cultures, that was wonderful. But beyond that, the camaraderie and brotherhood, that we form, that lasted a lifetime and still goes on today. I still have contact with my pilots and many of the men I served with. And I cherish that.

Adam Sheaffer: [00:03:52] So after your time in the Navy, what did you do after your service?

Steven Markle: [00:03:56] Well, I was freshly married and young, dumb and knew everything and left the service after four years, two months, six days. And I wake up, and have pretty much regretted it ever since. When you're in the job, doing it every day, it becomes just a job. And sometimes you lose appreciation for just how important the things you do are, and how few ever get to do them. Sadly, I learned that lesson after I left, and I wish I had learned that sooner.

Adam Sheaffer: [00:04:56] And so what is some advice that, I'm sorry, what some advice that you would give to the younger generation?

Steven Markle: [00:05:05] Boy. That's a tough one. That is a real tough one there. I would have to say my advice to them is do your homework. Don't believe anything you hear and only half what you see on the box. Put them to test. Challenge them. There must be debate. There must be compromise. But there can be no compromise between good and evil. That's where I draw the line, I'm sorry.

Adam Sheaffer: [00:06:06] Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Steven Markle: [00:06:07] It's all my brothers and sisters, who I know, are out there doing it, same deal and have been for the last 45 years since I left and I know they're out there. Every day. Every night. Defending America. To protect freedom and liberty. And I thank them for that, and I'm grateful that I was once a part of that. I rest easy at night knowing they're out there, every day. And you should too. God bless them all. That's all.