Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
4:13 | She loved to travel, so when Dionne Archibald enlisted in the Navy, she was looking forward to seeing even more of the world. After creating a solid bond with other women at boot camp, and attending communications school, she was ready for her first duty station in Japan.
Keywords : Dionne Archibald London United Kingdom New York City Japan Orlando FL boot camp Michelle Barnett radioman San Diego CA Naval Support Facility Kamiseya information technician (IT)
She was young and alone, but the Navy made sure there was someone to meet Dionne Archibald at the airport in Japan as she began her first assignment. She had no problem re-enlisting after her initial four year hitch and went to an advanced communications course before her next post. She lucked out on that one.
Dionne Archibald was a top recruiter for the Navy. She was stationed in New York City on that fateful day when the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were hit by terrorists. She recounts the events as she experienced them, including a grim trip to the site.
Being stationed in Germany was a great assignment for Dionne Archibald because she always had a love of travel and that gave her a chance to see Europe. After she returned to the States, she was promoted to master chief and returned to recruiting as an equal opportunity specialist.
After thirty years of service, Dionne Archibald left the Navy, but her passion to help people continued. Her non-profit organization Active Veterans With Answers acts as a bridge between veterans and the VA, to make sure they have access to all their benefits.
Dionne Archibald had many assignments and ships during her Navy career, including the USS Wasp. It was transporting Marines during the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. As the information security manager, it was part of her job to deny internet access to those who strayed online.
When Dionne Archibald went to the Military Sea Lift Command, she was lucky to get a brand new ship. The job was fueling and supplying ships at sea and it was during this time that she got to make a contribution to the Desert Storm operation.
