TOPEKA (KSNT) – Robert Messineo knew he wanted to join the U.S. Navy from the time he was eight years old.
Messineo served in the Navy from 1980 to 1985 as a machinist’s mate. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and deployed to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic. His job involved maintaining and working on mechanical equipment aboard his submarine, including hydraulic and pneumatic systems, atmosphere control and diesel equipment.
“There are a million parts on a submarine. Any of them can fail and half will kill you and that’s something you will have to learn very quickly to accept, very quickly if this is the life you want to have,” Messineo said.
During his deployments, Messineo visited places including France, Norway and Scotland. He said the crew sometimes visited smaller communities rather than major tourist destinations, giving him a chance to experience everyday life in other countries.
“We went to a little island called Santo Stefano,” Messineo said. “So, you didn’t see the tourist part of the country. You saw the country; you saw what it was like to live in a small town in Italy. France we were in Toulon and that was a NATO base. So, it was very interesting to be in France in that environment because just a pier over from us was a Saudi Arabian ship.”
Veteran Salute: Topeka veteran reflects on four years of Navy service
Messineo said he took pride in serving aboard a submarine and had planned to make the Navy his career. However, after being diagnosed with asthma, he left the military in 1985.
“It means so much,” Messineo said. “I mean, really, again, it ended too soon for me. I would be there again. I would have stayed at least the 20 years. So, it’s a, it’s a very, very large part of, of who I am,” Messineo said.
Today, Messineo continues helping veterans through his work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he has been employed for 11 years. He initially worked in a call center, helping veterans address questions and concerns. He recalled assisting a woman whose husband, a veteran who served in Iraq, was a multiple amputee and had suffered a stroke. When the family’s insurance was being cut off, Messineo contacted the VA and connected the woman with a social worker to help her explore available options.
“The point was I took care of this person at her lowest, and that’s all that matters,” Messineo said.
Messineo now works in a role supporting employees who help veterans. He said his work allows him to continue serving the military community.
“They are my brothers and sisters, and I am helping people that are helping them,” Messineo said.
Although his Navy service ended earlier than he had hoped, Messineo said his time in the military remains a significant part of who he is.
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