Seeing the U.S. Navy in action on a recent adventure led a path to meeting many new people. One of them is John Ruzicka, brother of Smokin' Joe Ruzicka who is a Radar Intercept Officer and Weapons Systems Officer in the F-14 Tomcat and F-18 Hornet with over 17 years in the U.S. Navy. John saw a tweet from me saying I was going on the U.S.S. Carl Vinson and said to say hi to his brother. My dad is the Sailor on the right in this photo.
Tomorrow I'm leaving for my #VinsonEmbark mission with the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Carl Vi… http://t.co/sNu0r2AbH0 pic.twitter.com/jeckIHU2hq
— Peg Fitzpatrick (@PegFitzpatrick) January 21, 2014
With over 5,000 Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier, it was a needle in a haystack proposition but thanks to the awesome Sailors who organized the logistics and the fact that I think Joe's detail was already worked into our itinerary, I met him! I was able to pass along his brother's message and tweet him a photo afterwards.
Hi @johnruzicka! Look who I found on the @CVN70. Smokin' Joe! Thank you both for your service. #VinsonEmbark pic.twitter.com/H6DZrimyVu
— Peg Fitzpatrick (@PegFitzpatrick) January 25, 2014
I thought it might be interesting to learn a little bit about John since he served in the Navy as well and find out what it was like being in the Navy.
How long were you in the Navy? What did you do with them?
When is the last time you saw your brother?
What does it mean to family and loved ones when they are able to see photos and hear from their sailors and soldiers who are currently serving in the military?
How did you stay connected to your family and friends while you served?
How can people at home best support the people serving in the military?
Thank you to John for answering my questions! Please read more about my Navy voyage on the official Navy blog Social at Sea: 24 Hours Inside the U.S. Navy and the Huffington Post Connecting Military Families with Social Media.
Photo credit: Big Stock Photos