Paul Barger Barger

1979-1980 PC3,,,

I came onboard LaSalle in Bahrain in 1979. I was the ships Postal Clerk. It was my first ship, that is probably why I treasure everything about her. While onboard I was on the Ceremonial Drill Team and the landing force.I joined the Army in 1983 after the Navy, I was a Stinger Missle Team Chief. Big mistake joining the Army I hated it. I have been up to quite a bit since my Navy Days. I am a 21 year maintenance technician, I recently worked at the local VA Hospital as a dispatcher for the police department but studying for my BS in Criminal Justice specializing in Homeland Security. I ended up getting my AS degree in Liberal Arts. I did not feel the need to go on when the VA separated me with disability retirement. So it was time for the easy life. I am a 40% service connected vet and also was in a bad motorcycle accident in 2000 and I have trouble getting around at times. I graduated from college Dec 17th, 2011, my B-day.
Bob Boucher and I founded the LaSalle Assn. and after 3 years of working to find shipmates we set up the first reunion in Charleston SC. Very memorable time. recently diagnosed with PTSD

The funniest memory I can recall is the Christmas Party that we held. Fred Schneider went into Bahrain at the Suq to shop for dresses and other stuff for us to put on a show for our shipmates. I dressed up in a dress and put a mop on my head for a wig. I ended up sitting on the Admirals Chewning's lap and singing to him. There are pics in the cruise book.