Five years ago, Petty Officer 2nd Class Tucker Scott joined the Navy because he was looking for another option instead of college.
“I thought it would be a beneficial stepping stone in life to learn a skill while becoming a better person,” he said.
Today, Scott is serving aboard USS Boxer, stationed in San Diego.
Scott is a fire controlman responsible for leading his division, overseeing the operation and maintenance of three different weapon systems and a target-acquisition radar system.
“I like connecting with the people I work with,” he said. “They’re a lot of fun to be around. I also enjoy learning how to be a leader.”
Scott is a 2015 Kamiak High School graduate and native of Mukilteo.
Scott said the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mukilteo.
“Hard work and discipline will get you far in life,” said Scott. “Setting an attainable routine to stay successful is important. It’s important to forgive frequently so you don’t weigh yourself down with the burden of mistakes. I also learned the importance of how to adapt and overcome to view your shortcomings as an opportunity to grow.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Scott is most proud of earning his current rank, gaining financial independence and meeting his wife.
“Many people my age are still in college and dependent on their parents,” he said. “Thanks to the Navy, I pay my own bills and am learning what finances really entail.”
For Scott, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Scott hopes to continue.
“My stepfather was in the Navy,” he said. “He helped me realize the benefits of joining the military, and that there are more options than just going to college after high school.”
RESOURCES
Northwest Veterans Museum: The Northwest Veterans Museum is located in the Wicker Building at Heritage Park, 19921 Poplar Way, Lynnwood. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and by appointment at other times. The museum displays exhibits of patriotic, military and war-related artifacts and memorabilia. Free admission. Donations accepted. Volunteers encouraged to apply. More info: info@nwveteransmuseum.org, 206-390-9982.
Veterans service officer: Snohomish County veterans service officer Michael D. Schanche, who retired from the U.S. Navy, is available 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. first Wednesdays at Verdant Health and Wellness Community Center, 4710 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. By appointment or walk-in. Learn about health and housing benefits. More info: 425-388-7319, michael.schanche@snoco.org.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: The nonprofit provides interest-free loans and grants for emergency and unexpected financial needs for active duty, retired military and their family members. Programs include budget counseling, financial education, nurse home visits, and more. NMCRS Everett is based at the Smokey Point Navy Complex in Marysville. More info: 425-304-3203, www. nmcrs.org.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve: ESGR supports the men and women of the Guard and Reserves, including employer and supervisor awards programs, under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. More info: 800-336-4590 option 1, esgr.mil.
Hero’s Café: Hero’s Café, a social gathering for veterans, meets 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. fourth Tuesdays (except December, on the third Tuesday) at Verdant Health and Wellness Community Center, 4710 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. Veterans can share a cup of coffee and their stories. The program is a partnership between local veterans groups and the city of Lynnwood. A service officer will be available for those seeking benefits information. More info: Gary Walderman, ckr_satx@yahoo.com.
Resource workshop: A free Veteran’s Services Resource Workshop is offered 2-3 p.m. first Mondays at Everett Community Justice Center, 8625 Evergreen Way, Suite 108. Housing assistance, employment resources, resume help, health care answers, skills lab, PTSD counseling and more. Bus vouchers available. More info: 425-356-2800.
Resource center: Lynnwood provides a volunteer-staffed Veterans Resource Center to help with claims and other resources, Tuesdays at Verdant Health and Wellness Community Center, 4710 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. Specialists from WorkSource and the Everett Vet Center are on hand 9 a.m. to noon, followed by local veterans groups from noon to 3 p.m. More info: Gina Israel, GIsrael@lynnwoodwa.gov, 425-670-5004.
Job help: Homeless, unemployed veterans can get help through Workforce Snohomish. Employment assistance, support services, help with VA benefits and housing. More info: Shannon Gaule, 425-921-3446 or shannon.gaule@workforcesnohomish.org.
Music therapy: The Snohomish County Music Project offers Music YoU Jam group music therapy sessions for veterans and others coping with depression, PTSD or similar emotional disorders. The program aims to help regulate mood, manage stress, reduce isolation and foster resilience. More info: 425-258-1605, info@scmusicproject.org.
VETERANS GROUPS
AMVETS: Mill Creek AMVETS Post 2018 is open to any honorably discharged veteran of any era as well as active duty, Reserve and Guard duty personnel. Monthly meetings are 6 p.m. first Mondays in room 210 at Mill Creek City Hall North, 15720 Main St. More info: amvetmillcreekpost2018@gmail.com, tinyurl.com/MillCreekAMVETS.
Coast Guard Auxiliary: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays, Port of Everett Conference Center, 404 14th St. More info: Melin Ford, 360-794-1723 or melinford25@gmail.com.
Fleet Reserve Association and Ladies Fleet Reserve Association Unit and Branch 18: Lunch noon, meeting 1 p.m. second Saturdays, 23003 56th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace. More info: 425-771-2774.
Fleet Reserve Association Branch 170: 5 p.m. second Wednesdays, 6802 Beverly Blvd., Everett. More info: 425-353-2600.
Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 12: 7 p.m. fourth Tuesdays, Lynnwood Elks Club, 6620 196th St. SW. More info: 360-333-3163.
Snohomish County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 13: 7 p.m. first Tuesdays, dinner at 6, at the Lynnwood Eagles, 19223 Highway 99. More info: 425-299-3373, davsnohomish13@gmail.com.
Submariners: The U.S. Submarine Veterans Seattle chapter meets 6 p.m. third Wednesdays at VFW Lake Washington Post 4330 in Redmond. More info: www.ussvi.org/base/Seattle.asp.
Veterans: An unaffiliated group of veterans of wars in foreign lands meets at 1 p.m. second Wednesdays, Carl Gipson Senior Center, 3025 Lombard Ave., Everett. More info: 425-257-8780.
AMERICAN LEGION
Arlington: Legion Post 76 and Auxiliary meetings, 7 p.m. second Tuesdays. SAL meetings 6 p.m. first Thursdays. Auxiliary breakfast is served 9 a.m. -noon first Saturdays, and a lounge breakfast, second Saturdays. Dinners are 6 p.m. Fridays. The Post is at 115 N. Olympic Ave. More info: 360-435-2492.
Bothell: Legion Post 127 meets at 21920 Highway 9, Woodinville. More info: bothelllegion.org, 425-483-5599, BothellALPost127@outlook.com.
Edmonds: Frank Freese Legion Post 66 meets 6 p.m. third Mondays, Post Hall, 117 S. Sixth St. Light meal served at 5:15 p.m. More info: Les, 206-546-6831.
Everett: Sen. Henry M. Jackson Legion Post 6 meets 6 p.m. second Thursdays, Fleet Reserve Association Club, 6802 Beverly Blvd. More info: William at 425-445-9627, or Steve at 425-583-7103.
Lake Stevens: Memorial Legion Post 181 meets 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, Lake Stevens Community Center, 1812 124th Ave. NE. More info: Tony at 360-631-3242, or Vern at 425-343-9637; info@post181.org; www.facebook.com/lakestevens.legion.
Lynnwood: Legion Post 37 meets 7 p.m. third Thursdays, Lynnwood Elks Club, 6620 196th St. SW. More info: 425-585-0279.
Marysville: Legion Post 178 meets 7 p.m. third Thursdays, Post Hall, 119 Cedar Ave. Social hour at 6 p.m. Service officer hours by appointment only (360-659-5808). More info: 360-653-0155, legionpost178wa@gmail.com, americanlegion178wa.cfsites.org.
Monroe: Arthur Kincaid Legion Post 58 meets 7 p.m. third Tuesdays, Brookdale Senior Living, 15465 179th Ave. More info: Russell Dean at 425-359-7071.
Mountlake Terrace: S. Al Wilcox Legion Post 234 meets 7 p.m. second Mondays, with 6 p.m. social hour, Legion Hall, 22909 56th Ave. W. More info: americanlegionpost234.org, americanlegionpost234@gmail.com, 425-776-5490.
Snohomish: Earl Winehart Legion Post 96 meets 7 p.m. second Tuesdays, Legion Hall, 1201 First St. More info: 360-568-5340.
Stanwood: Frank H. Hancock Legion Post 92 and Auxiliary meet 7 p.m. second Mondays, 26921 88th Ave. NW, Stanwood. Prime rib dinner, 4:30 p.m. second Saturdays, except July and August. Service office open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. More info: 360-629-8021.
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
New members: The Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and auxiliaries of Snohomish County seek new members. VFW needs your last separation certification or other proof of eligibility. Auxiliary members are relatives, both female and male, of eligible veterans. For more information, call 425-337-1559.
Arlington: Boyer-Daniel VFW Post 1561 and Auxiliary meets 7 p.m. first Thursdays at Arlington Free Methodist Church, 730 E Highland Drive. More info: 425-750-0680, 425-760-0102 or vfw1561.org.
Edmonds: VFW Post 8870 meets 6 p.m. third Wednesdays, with a light supper at 5:15 p.m., Edmonds American Legion Hall, 117 Sixth Ave. S. More info: 425-245-8545, dennisvfw8870@gmail.com, www.vfw8870.org. Auxiliary: Noon second Fridays at the Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave.
Everett: Old Guard VFW Post 2100 meets 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, 2711 Oakes Ave. More info: Don Wischmann, 425-760-9031, www.vfwpost2100.org. Auxiliary: 6:30 p.m. second Mondays. More info: 425-337-1559.
Gold Bar: Martin-Osterholtz VFW Post 9417 meets 6 p.m. first Thursdays, 301 Third St. More info: Doug White, 425-870-7298. Auxiliary: 3 p.m. first Thursdays. More info: Arden King, 360-793-2786.
Lynnwood: Walter A. Deebach VFW Post 1040 and Auxiliary meet 7 p.m. first Thursdays, Alderwood Boys and Girls Club, 19619 24th Ave. W. More info: Frank, 425-697-4102 (Post); Myra Rintamaki, 206-235-0348 (Auxiliary).
Monroe: VFW Post 7511 meets 6 p.m. second Thursdays in the conference room at 14286 169th Drive SE. More info: AJ Cruce, groupw50@yahoo.com.
Oak Harbor: Whitehead-Muzzall VFW Post 7392 and Auxiliary meet 7 p.m. first Mondays, VFW Riders at 6:30 p.m. second Fridays, 3037 N Goldie Road. More info: 360-675-4048, vfwpost7392.org.
Snohomish: Gay Jones VFW Post 921 and Auxiliary meet 6:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Boys & Girls Club, 402 Second St. More info: 425-397-7111.
Sultan: VFW Post 2554 and Auxiliary meet 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Volunteers of America Community Center, 605 First St. More info: 425-870-0235.
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