My Life Story

About the Book

It is dedicated to an individual who had a very positive impact on my professional life. The book begins with describing a childhood that began during WWII in extreme poverty and then at the age of 12 immigrating to the US. Became a US citizen and joined the US Navy at 18 and became a Navy Hospital Corpsman (medic). After going to medical X- ray school and working at two US Navy hospitals was transferred to the US Naval Air Facility on the island of Sicily in Italy. Following two tours at Sigonella took a discharge and accepted a civilian position. Shortly after accepting the civilian position a US Navy CDR by the name of Toby Haynsworth took over the Supply Department. Toby had a discussion with me and expressed his concern about my temporary employment status and arranged for me to receive some specialized transportation training and for me to apply for permanent civil service status which I acquired giving me job security. Toby was also a good friend with an American writer who was living in Taormina, Sicily, Eugene Mc Donald Bonner. Mr. Bonner was a North Carolina born-author, composer, music critic, and wayfarer. He also wrote a very interesting book “Roundabout Sicily” describing in detail the history and beauty of this historic island. In addition to publishing a number of songs and chamber works, Mr. Bonner also collaborated with Anatole France to create and opera based upon the Frenchman’s comedy “The Man Who Married a Mute” (“Celui Qui Epousa Un Femme Muette”). It was a pleasure meeting and spending time with such an interesting and talented individual.

About the Author

Olimpio Guidi, was born in the oldest and smallest country in the world, the Republic of San Marino, located within the country of Italy. In 1952 he immigrated, with his family, to the US and moved to Detroit, Mich. After learning the English language and attending high school, at age 18 he joined the US Navy and became a proud Hospital Corpsman (Medic). He was initially stationed at the US Naval Hospital in Newport, RI, followed by a one year course in X Ray Technology at the US Navy Hospital in Chelsea, Mass. In 1963 he received orders to the US Naval Air Facility in Sigonella, Sicily, X-Ray department. Between two tours of duty at Sigonella, he spent 10 months in Key West, FL on board the submarine Tender, USS Bushnell (AS15). In 1969 he took an honorable discharge and accepted a civilian position at the US Naval Air Facility at Sigonella.

It was, to say the least, challenging immigrating to a country where he did not know or speak the English language or be familiar with the customs.