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16 | THE COLONY NEWS | MARCH 2024 | Vietnam War Veteran: Storekeeper First Class (SK1) Jim Wooldridge, United States Navy By Linda Santana The United States Navy participated in a wide variety of roles and missions during the Vietnam War. Ocean going "blue water" Navy ships in the South China Sea provided artillery, aviation, logistics, medical aid and support in America's defense of a non-communist Southeast Asia. - Naval History and Heritage Command Colony resident Jim Wooldridge is a man of quiet strength and deep resolve. Clearly, his faith in God, devotion to family, and unwavering love for his country have carried him through the best and worst of times. The year was 1971. As American servicemen were fighting a controversial war in Vietnam, Apollo 15 astronauts were landing on the moon. Large-scale Vietnam War protests in Washington, D.C., resulted in 12,000 arrests, the largest mass arrest in U.S. history. Three Dog Night's chart- topping Joy to the World dominated radio stations; Disney World opened, adult tickets $3.50; annual income, $10,600; voting age lowered to 18; U.S. postage stamps, 8 cents; gas, 40 cents a gallon. 1971, the year that was. Jim Wooldridge was 21 years old and ready for the years yet to be. Jim Wooldridge began his military career as an E-3, United States Navy, assigned to the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). "I was ready to go!" Devout in his faith, E3 Jim Wooldridge hung out with Christian shipmates. "We didn't party together. We prayed together. We had a 'Prayer Room' on the ship. When we docked at ports in the Philippines, Singapore or wherever, we would look around until we found a church where we could pray and worship." For E3 Jim Wooldridge and his shipmates, prayers were sorely needed for the worst of days yet to come - the escalation of violence surrounding the Fall of Saigon in 1975. The enemy's inhumanity toward innocent refugees — haunting. "I still have nightmares," says Wooldridge. "Those were rough times for all of us. Thousands of refugees rushed the gates, many were lost. We rescued over 200 men, women and children." After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, E4 Jim Wooldridge served 14 years in the Naval Reserves, ultimately promoted to Storekeeper First Class (SK1). At the age of 39, SK1 Jim Wooldridge went active duty again, serving four more years, assigned to the USS Arkansas (CGN-41) in the Persian Gulf. After separation from the Navy, Wooldridge worked 20 years for the Civil Service at Amphibious Naval Base, San Diego, CA. SK1 Jim Wooldridge says he holds no bitterness and has no regrets about his time in Vietnam. Grateful for National Vietnam Veterans Day, he encourages every veteran and every soldier serving now to "Keep fighting. You are appreciated." Jim and wife Mary Lou have been Colony residents since 2022. Jim loves to fish, eBay, and dancing with Mary Lou at Colony events. "I've been happily married for 48 years," says Jim. Mary Lou echoes their enduring love: "Thank you for your love and care for me, our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You have given 100% and more to our family. I love you and appreciate you, my longtime friend." SK1 Jim Wooldridge, United States Navy, served our country for 19 years. He is a Disabled Veteran and still fighting for his 100% disability rating and long-overdue VA benefits. "I am happy about my time in the Navy. I had a good career. If I was able, I'd do it again."