My Parents

SA Don Hagey, October 1949

SA Don Hagey, circa 1950

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SR Don Hagey is in the last row -- the bush and car are directly behind him -- and all that can be seen of him in the original photo is from his eyes to his white hat

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U.S. Naval School
Telemen Class: 7-50
Graduated 21 April 50
U.S. NAV. TRA. CEN. San Diego, California
Teleman Seaman Apprentice Don Hagey is second from left, middle row

Telemen Third Class Don Hagey and his new bride
Adrienne Felice (Simon) Hagey
13 September 1952
Vancouver, Washington

My father joined the Navy in 1949, converted to Radioman in 1959, advanced to Chief Radioman in late 59, and was selected for the Limited Duty Officer program in 1962. During this time the first four children were born -- Arlene, Don, Jack, and Sue. The last three of us were born starting in 1964 -- me, Lani, and Dave. In 1969, my father "wintered over" at Byrd Station, Antarctica. He has an incredible slide presentation which he has given to numerous schools. His favorite presentation was given to the School for the Deaf and Blind in Vancouver, Washington. He says that these children asked some of the most intelligent questions he had ever heard. I still remember calling him in Antarctica through a Ham Radio operator in Washington. Though I don't remember Dad's call letters, I still remember the Ham Operator's -- KWQ (Keep Women Quiet). In June of 1974 he retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 25 years of service and we moved to his home town.
Raising seven children (at times on her own) was no picnic for Mom -- however, I must say she did a wonderful job. It is said that the toughest job in the Navy is that of the Navy Wife (now spouse). She must handle every emergency, every trivial event, and the mundane day-to-day goings on without the help of her husband. A good example of this was when I was a child, the dryer quit working. Mom dismantled it, figured out what piece needed replacing, and went to the store to get it. The store owner explained how to replace the part, but warned Mom that it usually took his repairmen several hours to complete the job. A relatively short time later, she called the store and thanked the owner for his assistance and explained that the dryer was now working just fine. He offered her a job on the spot!