Navy Vietnam Schaumburg, IL Flight date: 06/15/22
By Carla Khan, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer
Growing up in a military family, it was not a difficult decision for Paul Barrath to make the decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After all, his father had served in the Far East on board an aircraft carrier during WWII. The Barrath family, parents and three children, moved wherever the head of the family was stationed and finally settled in Glenview, IL, where Paul finished high school. After attending Southern Illinois University for a year, Paul received his draft notice. Since he had drawn a very low number, he thought he’d better consider what his options were. He decided on enlisting in the U.S. Naval Reserve where about 1/3 of a squadron had the chance of immediate active duty and the other 2/3 would be on weekend duty. Paul was selected for active duty, which, as he explained, was going to be 3 years of active duty followed by 2 years of Navy Reserve weekend duty, and finally one year of inactive duty.
In 1971, with his military future all planned out, Paul left for 30 days of Basic Training at Memphis Naval Air Station, Millington, TN. Although he’d grown up in a military family, Basic Training still was pretty tough, Paul reflected. The main focus was on learning how to work together as a team and this was accomplished by lots of marching, exercising, and most of all, obeying orders. Paul did well; he entered as an E-1 and graduated from Basic Training as an E-2. Next, he was sent to the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Base, located about 15 miles south of New Orleans, LA. This was so called “A-school” where, as a Yeoman, he learned typing and working with the many forms that kept records of members of the military. It was similar to training for an H.R. position in the civilian world, according to Paul. The training lasted for three months. During their time off, the young sailors often ventured into nearby New Orleans. But since this was still during the Vietnam War period, they never wore their uniforms while on leave although their short, military haircuts often gave them away when long hair and flower-power were in fashion.
Once this training was completed, Paul was faced with the choice between serving aboard a ship for a period of 2 years or being land-based for 3 years. He opted for the longer period and applied to the Glenview Naval Station where he was accepted. He was happy to be back in his old stomping grounds although life had changed somewhat. Since there was a housing shortage for enlisted men, they were given the option to live off-base and received financial aid for apartment living and transportation. Paul found an apartment in nearby Wheeling and pretty much had a 9-5 job with the exception of having to be on “fire-watch” about every 4 days. During those days, nothing was computerized and offices were filled with huge file cabinets. It was a lot of serious administration to handle the paperwork for about 50 Naval Reserve officers, quite a few of them airline pilots.
Once his 36 months of active duty had been completed, Paul opted for another 2 years of active reserve duty which allowed him to take advantage of the GI Bill and return to school. A friend of his had recommended Grand Valley College, a Michigan state school and this turned out to be a good match. Based on the experience already acquired during his time in the military, Paul completed a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. While in College, Paul also was a member of a Veterans Brotherhood Support Group that helped (often Vietnam) Veterans re-adjust to civilian life.
After graduation, Paul was offered a job in sales, which was a good fit with his Marketing studies.
He had a successful career in business, is now retired and lives with his wife, Geri, in Schaumburg, IL.
Paul and Geri have a blended family of 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. They both are active in volunteer work. Paul is particularly active in the American Legion.
Paul, thank you for your service. Enjoy your well-deserved Honor Flight.