Chief Joe Lena, Radioman Chief, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Passed away on November 12, 2006.

Dearest friends and family of Radioman Chief Joe Lena,

Yes that’s right, Chief Joe Lena, perhaps some of you did not know Joe as a Chief Radioman of the U.S. Navy.  I came to know about Chief Joe Lena in a life-changing encounter with him back in 1964.  Please allow me to share with you how I came to know him.

In March of 1964 as I wondered idly and mischievously through the streets of Bunkie, Chief Joe Lena snatched me into his shoe store and took me out to the “Woodshed” as he liked to call the back portion of his store.  He knew I was headed down a dangerous path and his intention was to motivate me to pursue a more productive course and speed.   After two hours of pounding his own Navy experiences and Navy traditions into my very hard 17-year old head, he released me back into the street for what he hoped was a life-altering experience.  Little did he know how much of an impact he really had on me.

As in most things Joe did, he succeeded in accomplishing his mission.  On April 1, 1964 I joined the U.S. Navy and have spent the last 42 years working for the Department of the Navy instead of the Department of Corrections on the inside looking out.

Joe Lena motivated and awakened in me, what I have tried to motivate and awaken in many young men and women throughout my naval career.  With that said, I would like to share a quote with you written by the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Chief Joe Lena communicated this very same message to me using his own Navy jargon on that windy March day back in 1964.

“ what lies behind us

and what lies before us

are small matters

compared to

what lies

within us”

Fair winds and following seas shipmate; you will be sorely missed by all.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to family and friends.

Dale J. Descant
MCPO U.S. Navy (Ret.)
daledescant@bunkie.com