David Banagis

Twenty-three Days at Sea: a Sailor's Story David Banagis

My story is of the inherent drama and humor that is common to military service wherever it occurs. I am not a hero, but I have been honored to know and serve with many heroes. My story captures the dynamic that exists whenever men and women work together to accomplish a mission and achieve a preparedness that conditions them to serve in any location and perform any duty in defense of the United States of America. My associations range from battle-hardened veterans to recruits fresh out of boot camp. Each is necessary to the other; the veteran's example is vital in the teaching of the recruit, and the recruit is blessed to serve and learn under the veteran's leadership. The military person works and trains hard and, when not doing those things, plays hard; my story is intended to capture how that happens.