TOPEKA (KSNT) – Donald Jenkins joined the U.S. Navy at 19 years old, hoping to learn a trade and see more of the world. His service took him from a small dairy farm in Minnesota to deployments across the Pacific, including time supporting naval operations off the coast of Vietnam.
Jenkins served in the Navy from 1962 to 1966, spending much of that time aboard the destroyer USS Wiltse.
“I wanted to learn a trade and see some of the world, and that happened,” Jenkins said.
Originally from north-central Minnesota, Jenkins grew up working on his family’s dairy farm before enlisting after high school. He trained as a machinist’s mate, working in the ship’s engine room to help keep its systems operating.
His first deployment to the western Pacific in 1963 included stops in Japan, the Philippines and other ports. During his second deployment in 1965, his ship was diverted to Vietnam. There, the crew supported aircraft carriers, performed picket duty and provided naval gunfire support along the south Vietnamese coast. Jenkins said the deployment kept the crew at sea for extended periods.
After returning to San Diego in 1965, Jenkins continued serving until he was honorably discharged in May 1966.
Looking back, Jenkins said his military experience reinforced the importance of responsibility and hard work. He credits those values in part to his upbringing on the farm, where he learned to work with machinery and handle demanding tasks.
“To be on time,” Jenkins said. “Get there on time. I’d rather be 5 minutes early than one minute late. And good work ethic too, and the knowledge to perform all this stuff that needs to be done.”
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After leaving the Navy, Jenkins continued working with boilers and heating systems. He spent 28 years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, helping operate and maintain heating systems before moving into boiler inspection. He later became chief boiler inspector for Kansas, a position he held for 18 years before retiring about a decade ago.
Now retired in Topeka, Jenkins enjoys traveling and fishing. He and his wife, Ruth, recently celebrated 61 years of marriage.
Reflecting on his military career, Jenkins said he remains proud of having served his country.
“Well, proud that I was able to serve,” Jenkins said.
To nominate a veteran you know, send an email to veterans@ksnt.com.
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