Kirk Phillip Snyder

U.S. Navy 1969 – 1989

Kirk was born on 28 June 1949 in Towanda, Penn. He grew up in Montrose, Penn., where he graduated from Montrose Area High School in 1967. He was accepted to Boome Technical Community College in Johnson City, New York, where he earned his associate degree in business administration. He joined the U.S. Navy in August 1969 at the height of the Vietnam War. Determined to serve, he knew the Navy would be a better fit for him than the Army or the Marine Corps and the Air Force was not even on his radar.

Kirk graduated from bootcamp at Navy Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill. His follow-on orders were to Naval Training Center Command San Diego, California, to attend storekeeper “A” school. He enjoyed his training and felt vindicated that he had chosen the correct career path. He excelled in school, finishing third out of thirty Sailors in his class.

In August 1970, Kirk joined the fleet and participated in the commissioning of the destroyer USS JONAS INGRAM (DD-938). Over the next nineteen years, he served on three ships of the line. His leadership skills, coupled with his ability to adapt to fluid situations, quickly caught the attention of his supervisors. He rapidly became the “go to” person for any situation. In 1984 the Chief’s Mess proudly welcomed him as one of their own when he became one of the Navy’s newest Chief Petty Officers.

Chief Snyder next accepted orders to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. His leadership and military bearing quickly earned him a plum assignment to the Norfolk Air Terminal. In November 1971, Kirk had married the love of his life, the former Martha E. Hamilton. Together, they had five children. Soon, the children were getting older, and it was time for him to be at home more, so in November 1989, he decided to hang up his uniform and begin a new career that did not include deployments, standing duty, or being on call.

Chief Snyder received numerous awards for his outstanding service. They include the Command Chief Petty Officer breast device, two Navy Achievement Medals, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, five Navy Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Navy “E” Ribbon.

Using his storekeeper background, Kirk found work as a clerk for SS Grocery. After five years, he joined the General Aluminum Manufacturing Company as the head custodian. For the next twenty-one rewarding years, he managed a talented crew of workers who took pride in their jobs.

Blessed with a servant’s heart, Kirk cannot sit still. He now volunteers with the Tipton County Meals on Wheels and the Bread of Life Food Pantry. He has worked with the Tipton County Election Commission as a machine operator for local, state, and national primary and general elections. He and his wife, Martha, are active members of the Atoka Presbyterian Church. He was nominated for Veteran of the Month by Robin Wallace, the May 2021 Veteran of the Month.