Navy RHO/RS Retired Affairs

LCDR Bruce Vesper

LCDR(ret) Vesper at Safeco Field

Contact Information:

 

Bruce Vesper

107 Oakland Street,

Richland, WA

(509) 531-1150

bevesper@owt.com

 

Accomplishments During Service:

 

•  Wrote SubPac RadCon manual that later became the joint SubLant/SubPac RadCon manual.

•  Attended Colorado State Univ. for my Master Degree in Radiation Science

•  Worked in a multifaceted Radiation Research Institute, gaining experience on all types of radiation work and research.

•  Numerous operational Radiation Health assignments

•  Worked on Johnston Island Plutonium cleanup campaign (1984-85)

•  Traveled around the world, visiting most of the continents I only dreamed about seeing one day. The favorite was the time in Holy Loch, Scotland a base that no longer exists. (My girls still think this was the best).

•  Met a lot of people in the field that I continue to encounter on a regular basis.

•  Taught in the Medical Effects of Nuclear Weapons course for 5 years, doing most of the lectures while doing short courses on the road.

 

RHO assignments included:

 

 

Awards:  Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Expert Pistol and Rifleman medals, Good Conduct Medal, Enlisted Submarine Qualification, Navy "E" ribbon (3), and Deterrent Patrol badge.

 

Accomplishments Since Retirement:

•  Battelle (PNNL) - Operational HP research and Hanford emergency prep

•  Westinghouse Hanford - Radiological Assessment program

•  Bechtel Hanford - Environmental Restoration and site cleaning up 

•  Have seen all our old shipboard reactors (they're here at Hanford!) 

•  Master of Kennewick Masonic Lodge in 1998 (When through all the chairs first)

•  Active in WA State Masonic ritual

•  Member of the WA Grand Lodge team for the past 5 years

•  Active in local youth groups

•  Served as the second president of the Eastern WA Chapter, ACHMM in 1994

•  Elected to the Board of Directors and Secretary of National ACHMM

•  Chairman and member of ACHMM Awards Committee for past 8 years

•  Work on several older vehicle restorations, including a great looking 300ZX, a very sharp Mercedes-Benz, and a 1950's Ford pickup (in progress).

 

Two grown daughters, one in Richwood, TX, and one in Germantown, MD, with 5 grandchildren, from age 1 to 8.  Wish for as much energy and intensity as the grandchildren have!

 

Words of Wisdom:

 

Never realized how much fun I had in the Navy until I stopped and had a chance to look back at my military career.  Loved being on board ship, and all the extra duties that entailed. 

 

Enjoyed some of the best mentors while I was in the Navy.  Learned to work hard on making things live up to my standards and enjoyed the pleasure of seeing them evaluated by the Navy as such (By ORSE and RCPE).  I also had folks who taught me to work hard, and play just as hard.  Although it wasn't always fun, the best times of my life were during the time I spent in the Navy.  Learn about your hobby and interests early, since you'll probably be doing them for many years when you can finally afford to indulge them.

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