Brookville resident Lambert Tynes has fond memories of his service in the Navy.

“I wish I could have served longer,” he said.

Tynes served four years active duty, and immediately turned to the reserves in 1991, serving for seven years.

Since leaving the reserves Tynes, 46, worked for a heavy equipment rental company, and also worked in general aviation for seven years.

Tynes is engaged and has four children from a previous marriage. He enjoys football, shooting and fishing, and also participates in welcome home ceremonies for returning military members.

Tynes donates quite a bit of his time to Operation Show Our Love, which reaches out to deployed service members.

“I feel like I’m still serving the guys overseas,” he said. “All it takes is one or two thank you letters to reinforce the fact that we know we’re doing the best.”

Branch of service, rank, years in service: U.S. Navy, E3 airman, four years active duty and seven years reserve

How person got involved in the military: “My father was a 24-year career Marine and I had always wanted to fly carriers in the Marine Corps. My grades weren’t up to par so I tried a stint in the Army and injured both my legs in boot camp. It took a year and a half to rehabilitate and I joined the Navy.”

What actions he performed: “I was a plane captain and crew chief. I did that for both of my cruises and thoroughly enjoyed it. I worked up on the flight deck making sure the crafts were ready for the next mission.”

Most satisfying part about the person’s work: “Watching the plane come home after a mission, knowing the plane was home and the two guys on board were safe.”

Most memorable moment of service: “The day one of the airplanes didn’t come in 1990. We were in the Pacific Ocean and we never found out what happened. The plane simply flew into the water.”