April 9, 2010
BZ: I recently enlisted the help from Jeffrey Doepp of Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs Office to locate my best friend.

My friend and I have known each other since we were 10 years old and we were inseparable all throughout high school. We decided to enlist in the Navy together. I was a corpsman assigned to Camp Lejeune, N.C., and he was assigned to USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as an electrician’s mate.

We maintained contact until 2002, when his e-mail and snail addresses were no longer correct. Until now, my family and friends have heard nothing from him, or his whereabouts. All this time, we have wondered what became of him, and our best efforts have been in vain to locate him.

Recently, an article was found on Navy Newsstand mentioning my friend in a brief interview. Using a contact e-mail provided on the CFAY Web site for the Seahawk newspaper, I inquired if anyone could help me, a shot in the dark, really.

I was immediately contacted by Jeffrey Doepp, saying he would see what he could do.

Because of his selfless devotion to both his office and to others, and taking the time to locate my friend, I received a phone-call from my friend the very next day. I hadn’t talked to him in eight years!

Please understand, all of us had tried everything to see if he was safe and happy. We almost hired a private detective! However, Jeffrey Doepp answered me immediately. I almost fell out my chair when he provided the contact information so quickly.

Without his genuine willingness to help a total stranger with a tall request, we would still be wondering.

 I owe him so many thanks. We truly appreciate his help. Bravo Zulu!