“I enlisted March of 1948, 10 days after my 17th birthday, (either that or reform school). It was to be a 3 year hitch, but Pres. Truman extended me for a year for Korea. So I shipped for six.
My first duty station was NAS Lakehurst NJ, HU-2, after 2 years at the country club I went aboard the USS Saipan CVL-48, for 11 months 26 day and 4 hours. In June of 1951 I reported aboard VP-34, Trinidad, BWI. While I was in VP-34, I earned my Combat Air Crew wings. Then in June of 1953, I transferred to VP-21 where I spent four wonderful years. From there to VP-10 for one year. From there to NAF Naples Italy for two years. July of 63 found me at my one and only shore duty station, NAS Glenview IL. after Glenview, off to AO ‘B’ school for six months in Jacksonville, FL. From there to the “”Oldest and the Boldest”” the USS Essex CV-9 for three and 1/2 years.

My Last tour of duty was back to VP-21, where I retired with 19 and 6, with good conduct, at 36 1/2 years old.
I had a great time serving my country receiving six letters of commendation, and seven meritorious awards. But my greatest honor was receiving my CAC Wings.

Resectfully Submiited,
Norman J. Roinestad AO1, CAC USN Ret. “”WINDSOR – Norman Roinestad, 83, of Windsor – This beautiful soul reunited with the love of his life on October 18, 2014. He was born March 17, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to John Norman and Viota Roinestad. Norman enjoyed 20 years of military service after joining the Navy in 1948. He received many certificates of good conduct and was an expert marksman. Some highlights of his service include time spent in Trinidad and time aboard the USS Essex and was a member of the VP-21. Norm worked at Sears in Augusta, Togus VA and Charlie’s Motor Mall. He also belonged to the Bethlehem Masonic Lodge in Augusta and loved helping with the Shrine Circus. Norman was very proud to be a senior ambassador of the Kora Shrine Temple of Lewiston. He was a member of the VFW Post 887 and several other clubs.

He is predeceased by his wife, Patricia; infant son, John Norman II; brother Verle; and brother-in-law Paul Schoch….””

Email from Linda Roinestad, daughter of Norman Roinstad. “”Dear Friends of Norman John Roinestad, It is with heavy heart that I send this email. My Dad passed away on Saturday, Octotber 18th. He was the best Daddy a girl could ever have! After almost six years my Mom and Dad are finily togother again! He made us all promise not to cry, well I haven’t been able to keep that promise. Dad always said “”If I die today it’s with no regrets, I’ve had a great life, loving family, wonderful friends and beautiful memories, what more can a Man ask for””. A day didn’t go by that Dad wasn’t telling a story about “”when I was stationed”” he so loved his time in the Navy!

thank you.

Linda Roinestad”””