Meet David Aitken, U.S. Navy — 2017 Veteran
David Aitken was born and raised in Hillside, New Jersey. He graduated from Hillside High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Navy. He attended and completed boot camp at the Naval Training Center, Chicago, Illinois, followed by his primary MOS school, specializing in aviation ordinance.
David received his Service K-9 JJ during the week of May 14, 2018.
His first Permanent Duty Station was with the Attack Squadron 152 based out of Alameda, California. David was deployed on a Westpac tour that took him through the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan and finally Vietnam. While in Vietnam, David suffered severe injuries to his arm during an emergency launch on a Vietcong water vessel. David was sent back to Naval Air Station, Memphis, Tennessee for medical treatment and underwent numerous surgeries. On the sixth of June, 1968 David was medically discharged.
David has returned to Vietnam several times for a sort of self-treatment for his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
David's Awards & Decorations include:
- National Defense Service Medal
- Navy Unit Commendation
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device
~~~~~~~ ### ~~~~~~~
Jeff Anderson
CEO/Founder, Rebuilding Warriors
