William “Bill” O’Keefe
William “Bill” O’Keefe | U.S. Navy | Hospital Corpsman | Chelsea Naval Hospital | 36 years combined service
Bill O’Keefe joined the military in the draft era, right after high school. His reasoning was simple and direct: either the draft makes the choice for you, or you make the choice yourself—so he chose the U.S. Navy.
How he got in (reserve → active → reserve)
He entered through a Navy Reserve program that could transition members to active duty and then back to the reserves.
He enjoyed drills and the people, then went to boot camp.
A near-miss that shaped his path
Bill accidentally steered himself toward the wrong specialty:
He had learned some electronics (even built a radio as a kid) and told the Navy.
They placed him as an Electronics Technician, but when they handed him a slide rule, he knew immediately it wasn’t for him.
He switched to the medical department and pursued Hospital Corpsman training—motivated by his Boy Scout first-aid background and comfort with patient care.
“Lucky break” into Corps School
Right as he was preparing to go to sea (he explains the “30 days and you go to sea” reality), he got a Sunday call asking if he still wanted Corps School:
“Be here tomorrow by 1:00.”
He was tasked to escort a group of 30 recruits to boot camp, then report to Corps School.
First group allowed to choose duty stations
At Corps School, the Chief told them something unusual:
Since the Korean War era, Corpsmen were routinely sent straight to Fleet Marine Force.
His class was the first group allowed to pick from three duty station options.
Because his mother was ill and widowed, he chose a location close enough to support her.
Duty station: Chelsea Naval Hospital
Chelsea Naval Hospital (Massachusetts)
Active duty time there: 3 years and 2 months (he later jokes down to minutes and hours)
What he did there:
~6 months Surgical Service
Then Orthopedics
Advanced to Second Class Petty Officer
Worked the administrative desk (patient intake/navigation—helping people know where to go and what to do)
Volunteered for night ambulance runs because he knew the local geography and other crews didn’t
He notes strong mentorship and training during this period.
Civilian career: Fire service + rescue/ambulance
After leaving active duty, he pursued the fire department:
Started on a ladder company
Because he could cook, he was moved to central station
His Navy medical background led to placement on rescue squad/ambulance work
He shares a notable call: transporting a young man with a fractured neck from college in New York—later, that patient became a state representative.
Service continued: Reserve to Master Chief
He returned to the reserves and stayed long-term:
Ultimately retired as a Master Chief Hospital Corpsman
Total combined service: 36 years
He also received a special assignment he clearly loved:
Ran the first-aid station at a Boy Scout camp serving ~400 scouts/week for 6 weeks
Uniform: t-shirt and shorts, except dress uniform when parents visited Sundays
Influential people he discovered “after the fact”
He cites two major figures he worked around—only later realizing their historic roles:
A surgeon who removed Bill’s appendix—later learned the surgeon had been squadron medical officer aboard USS Annapolis, joking he became “squadron coroner” in 15 minutes during a crisis (as told in the interview).
A commanding officer Bill admired; years later Bill saw him referenced in a book (he names James Michener and the title “At Dawn We Slept”), learning his CO had been a squadron surgeon at Hickam Field.
Values he carries forward
Bill frames his lifelong arc as “learning and doing,” and repeatedly credits:
Scouting (orienteering, first aid, preparedness)
The principle of give and receive: if you don’t give, nothing comes back
Choosing a service field that matches your interest and will benefit your future
He also shares a powerful “full-circle” moment: thanking an early Scoutmaster in public, showing how mentorship echoes across generations.
Florida life
Became a snowbird decades ago (about 28–29 years)
Settled in Florida permanently after family changes and mobility limitations (stairs/back injury)
He expresses genuine happiness living on Florida’s west coast
Closing message to future viewers
Bill’s final point is humility and readiness:
He didn’t see combat and honors those who did
His role was being there when others came home—in uniform and as a civilian responder
“You never know when it will be your turn to step forward—don’t hesitate.”