1976 hired by The Naval Investigative Service Regional Office Europe (NISRO). Name eventually changed to The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Completed thirty six and a half years. Adding my three and a half years U.S. Navy active duty time resulted in my having thirty nine and a half years as the total time contributing to my final government credits.
I joined the U.S. Navy in 1959 right out of high school, in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, USA. A year later following basic training and radio school I received my first official orders. I was assigned to Commander Sea Transportation Service Headquarters in London, UK, located on the corner with Grosvenor Square, 7 North Audley Street. Following a two week holiday after radio school graduation, I was driven from my home in Coaldale by my Uncle Jeep Lewis to the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City.
- Little did I know that almost fifty six years later I would be crying my eyes out every day remembering my time with Marty and Patsy here in London and of all the work and time and dedication they gave me during all those years. My Mother, Mary Kachurack GRIFFITH, My Dad Russel GRIFFITH, my handsome Brother Robert (Bogy)- nicknamed after Humphrey Bogart, my BABA, Mrs Michael Topolnitsky, my DIDI, Mr Michael Topolnitsky, My Uncle Alec, my Aunt Mame, my Aunt Rosie, my Uncle Bob Gibson who flew over Germany during the war and the happiest girl I have ever known, my Aunt Olga, “Olgie”; all contributed to whatever good in my personality I had; both Marty and Patsy would take me on professionally and into their family as well, beginning in August 1960. And to be accepted into the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as well, employed solidly with the organization for thirty six and a half years. In 2013, my position with NCIS was realigned with possible relocation opportunity, which would have been impossible for me to consider due to my very strong sense of responsibility and love for someone I had been caring for.
My life in London had been a wonderful fifty five years. With the show business possibilities and the government employment opportunities, and meeting Marty and Patsy, having met them soon after I arrived in London, August 02, 1960. My world was beautiful; And then the heartbreak began. Marty leaving April 1997, Patsy, September 2015, NCIS, 2013. All gone. But while I had them both I didn’t need anything else in my life. I had everything. When Marty passed away April 1997, to me he was still with me because Patsy was alive and we were like brother and sister. But when Patsy passed on and into another world it was like she took Marty with her. My world is empty with out her.. My tears still fall on to my cheeks. This morning when I awoke I am remembering folks saying to me “you must move on. It will be good for you. Good for Marty and Patsy”… Maybe. Maybe I don’t want to move on. I am holding on. They are with me. Today I felt it for the first time.
blazey23 