Former sailor remembers fallen comrades - Of Interest

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- PVT Paul Mena, a former sailor assigned to the USS Cole, will never forget Oct. 12, 2000, no matter what challenge is placed before him. These days he learns the way of the Army.

After basic training here, Mena will be trained as a 31L cable system installer-maintainer at Fort Gordon, Ga., and will join the U.S. Army Signal Regiment.

The morning of Oct. 12 will remain in the minds of sailors who were aboard the USS Cole when it was attacked by terrorists. The guided-missile destroyer was in a Yemeni port for a routine refueling stop when a small boat loaded with explosives was detonated beside the ship, blasting a hole in its side.

Following the attack in which 17 sailors were killed and 39 were injured, the USS Cole was returned to the United States aboard a Norwegian heavy-transport ship.

Mena vividly remembers the tragic incident as if it had happened yesterday.

"At around 11:25 a.m., there was a thunderous explosion that threw me about five feet," said Mena. He said the first thing that came to mind was to check to see whether he had lost any of his limbs. Fortunately, Mena had only suffered minor bumps and bruises.

"Although there were sailors running in all directions, everyone reacted to the attack just as they had practiced several times during training exercises," said Mena. "In the midst of all the confusion, the executive officer took charge and began to attempt to regain order on the ship."

The New Jersey native served six months of his four years in the Navy aboard the USS Cole. He worked in every position from being the ship's barber to firefighting while serving as a sailor. When he left the Navy, unemployment rates were up and he was unable to find a job. He then tried to re-enlist in the Navy but was denied the job he wanted, so he went to the Army recruiting office and enlisted.

Although Mena has changed service branches from Navy to Army, he said he's happy to serve his country regardless of branch.

While in basic training, Mena said he considered himself a valuable asset to his peers. "Being prior service allows me to share my experiences with other soldiers," he said. "I think I'm a well-disciplined soldier who possesses leadership skills--something drill sergeants look for."

Mena is now thinking of retiring from the military with the support from his wife, Jane, and two daughters, Alexus (six) and Julia (two).

"Although I'm fortunate enough to continue serving my country, I'll always have a place in my heart for those 17 sailors who lost their lives on that tragic morning," said Mena.

SGT Woodard writes for the Fort Jackson Leader, the post's newspaper.

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