A personal story of Thad Sowell of Diodon

Hi Jerry,

You were right, it was our very own Thad Sowell from the Diodon that you found on Maritini's submarine site, and here is his response. I'm also sending Thad's note on to Jim Santos to include on the web site. It looks like you will both have "Sheriff" stories to share.

Roger

-----Original Message-----

From: Bette F. Sowell [mailto:Thad_Bette@compuserve.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 28, 2000 5:26 PM
To: Anne & Roger Stern
Subject: USS Diodon SS349

Hello Roger!

Talk about voices from the past ! It has been over 40 years since I left Diodon !! Yes, I am the very same Thaddeus Sowell. Lots of water has flown around our submarines since those years ! I'll give you a very brief up-date on me, if you like.- -well, even if you don't like- - here is a thumb nail:

I left Diodon, on my way to new construction- -USS Sam Houston SSBN 609, via guided missile school in Dam Neck, VA. 

After reporting to Sam Houston, being built in Newport News, Va, I sent for and Married my high school sweetheart, and we are still married !

I made 19 FBM submarine patrols over the 23 years that I remained in the Submarine Navy, with one tour as instructor at Dam Neck and one tour as the Warden of the Sub Base Corrections Center in Groton.

With 23 years in service, and having made E-9, I was offered the COB Job on USS Phoenix! After much deep thinking about what my life was all about, I decided that I had loved every minute of my Naval Service, but was ready to leave. 

In 1979, I retired and returned to my home in Arizona. While on Diodon, I had purchased a home for my Parents to live in, so I had a place to go.

After a few months of being 'free', I needed something to do, so I went to work for the County Sheriff and worked in the County jails for the next 17 years. Four years ago, last month, I had completed 40 years of Government

service and thought that was enough! My Bride of all those years had retired the previous year and we had made some very lucky decisions re our investments so were easily able to toss in the towel.

After four years of retirement, we wonder how we EVER had time to go to a work place! We have three children, now in their early forties, and 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren- -all of which keep us hopping ! We also do quite a lot of traveling.

I notice that you live in one of our very favorite places to visit! Bette and I love western Washington and have spent several wonderful vacations drifting around up that way !

Roger, I am very glad that you contacted us! Please get back to us with some background on what the past 40 years has done for you and tell Jerry I said hello. I remember both of you and those wonderful years while we were all young and checking out the world !

WARMEST REGARDS

THAD