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People on the move: Petty Officer 2nd Class Vanhooser

  • Published
  • By Bob Fehringer
  • U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Vanhooser credits Tom Brokaw and the weather with his decision to join the Navy, in a roundabout way.
"I joined because of a combination of reasons," he said. It was a perfect storm of sorts. My father is prior Navy and the idea was always in the back of my head. About a month before 9/11 I had read Tom Brokaw's 'The Greatest Generation' and I remember talking with friends about the differences in our generations. The biggest thing being their sense of duty.
"Then 9/11 happened and the feelings that came with it," Petty Officer Vanhoosen continued. "Watching everything happen and not being able to do a thing about it.
Petty Officer Vanhooser, 31, says he was young and had a good job that he didn't want to give up.
"Then my dad became ill," he said. "It turned out to be a very aggressive prostate cancer. This was the straw that broke that camel's back. It wasn't as if I thought my dad wasn't proud of me but I knew enlisting would give us a bond. I enlisted shortly thereafter."
The elder Vanhooser is again healthy.
After serving at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego and on the USS Vandergrift, Petty Officer Vanhooser came to USTRANSCOM two years ago and now works in the Navy element administrative section.
"Lucky for me, I have one of the few Navy enlisted jobs here at USTRANSCOM that actually lets me work within my rating," Petty Officer Vanhooser said. "I work in J1-PN (Navy personnel) and do everything to include manning, personnel, pay and Navy Element admin.
"I'm really enjoying the experience," Petty Officer Vanhooser continued. "It's nice to see other service's traditions and how they do business. More importantly, I like the command. The scope of what is done here is infinitely bigger and more tangible than what we're used to at our normal commands. It feels good to be a part of that, no matter how small the role."
Petty Officer Vanhooser is originally from St. Louis, and enjoys being able to go home at the end of the day.
"I can't tell how many weddings and special occasions I've missed over the past seven years. It's a price we pay," Petty Officer Vanhooser said. "So I know I'm extremely fortunate to get this opportunity.
Being able to lead a normal life with friends and family and watch my nieces and nephews grow up and my parents grow old and still serve my country at a command that makes an immeasurable difference. It's hard to ask for more from a tour in the Navy."