A decision made at 18 years old changed the course of Joe Bedford’s life.
Sitting in the guidance counselor’s office at AlWood High School in 1985, Bedford was planning to attend college. But when his counselor questioned whether that path was right for him, the conversation took an unexpected turn.
“My whole plan was to go to college, but I didn't study very hard, and that was my fault,” Bedford recalled. “He said, ‘Have you ever thought about joining the military?’ I said, ‘Well, I guess I am now.’”
That decision led Bedford–pictured above with his son, Luke, a junior at Geneseo High School–to a three-and-a-half-year career aboard the USS Enterprise, two major deployments, and experiences that shaped not only his military service but the rest of his life.
Bedford shared his story Wednesday as the featured speaker at the high school’s annual Veterans Day assembly, where students and staff gathered in the concert hall to honor local veterans and active-duty military members for their service and sacrifice.
The morning began with the National Anthem, performed by the high school band and choir, setting the tone for a program centered on gratitude, patriotism and remembrance.
GHS Principal Tom Ryerson welcomed the veterans and military members in attendance, emphasizing the importance of recognizing those who have protected the freedoms Americans enjoy.
“Today we gather as a school community to recognize and thank the men and women who have served our country in the United States Armed Forces,” Ryerson said. “Your courage, commitment, and willingness to make sacrifices for others have helped protect the freedoms we enjoy each and every day. For that, we are truly grateful.”
Ryerson noted that Veterans Day serves as an important reminder that freedom, justice and the opportunity to pursue individual paths are not guaranteed.
“They have been protected and preserved by generations of Americans who are willing to step forward and serve something bigger than themselves,” he said.
He also highlighted the Geneseo school district’s commitment to military-connected students and families. All five of its schools just earned the prestigious Purple Star School designation, recognizing their efforts to support students whose families are connected to the military.
Eleanor Bertelsen, president of the student council, followed Ryerson’s remarks by welcoming the veterans in attendance and recognizing two members of the high school staff who have served in the military: Mike Harrington and Dan Rakestraw.
The school also demonstrated its appreciation through a fundraising effort. Ryerson announced that the high school’s “hat days” raised $250, which will be donated to Geneseo VFW Post 5083.
Music played an important role in the tribute. The choir performed “O Come, Freedom,” composed and adapted by Kevin Siegfried. The band then joined the choir for “From Sea to Shining Sea,” based on the melody by Samuel Ward.
The morning’s highlight was courtesy of Bedford, who offered students a firsthand look at military life, sharing both the history of his service and the lessons he continues to carry with him.
Originally from the Alpha-Woodhull area, Bedford enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1985. He completed eight weeks of recruit training in San Diego, California, followed by four weeks of Seaman Apprenticeship Training before receiving orders to the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), based in Alameda, California.
He served aboard the aircraft carrier for three and a half years as a personnel clerk in the ship’s Executive Department. His duties gave him an appreciation for the importance of organization and teamwork aboard a vessel that carried thousands of sailors and aircrew members.
Bedford participated in two major Western Pacific deployments, in 1986 and 1988. His service included operations off the coast of Libya during Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986 and assignments in the Persian Gulf during heightened tensions with Iran. His travels also took him to Hawaii, the Philippines, Singapore, Pakistan, Italy, France, Sicily, Australia, Kenya, Hong Kong and Korea.
The USS Enterprise itself was a remarkable piece of naval history. As the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, it measured 1,123 feet long and was powered by eight nuclear reactors. Its crew numbered approximately 3,500, growing to more than 6,000 when aircrew members were aboard.
Bedford also shared some lighter memories from his time on the ship. The Enterprise served as a filming location for portions of the movies “Top Gun” and “The Hunt for Red October.” Bedford recalled watching the filming of the latter and spending several days helping actor Alec Baldwin get around the ship.
Beyond the deployments, travel and memorable experiences, Bedford said the Navy gave him something much more lasting. Asked whether he could imagine his life taking a different path had he gone to college instead, Bedford was emphatic.
“No, absolutely not. It was me joining the service that actually made me who I am today,” he said. “It taught me a lot about discipline. Teamwork is a big thing, too. I don't know where I would have been if I didn't join.”
After leaving the Navy, Bedford went into law enforcement, spending 27 years working for the sheriff’s office. He later retired and continued working in security, owning his own company and occasionally providing training through Homeland Security. His instruction includes active-shooter preparedness and run-hide-fight courses offered around the country.
The discipline he learned in the Navy remains part of his daily routine.
“I'm always up at 5:30 in the morning no matter what, even if I can sleep in,” he said. “There's always things to do. I'm task-oriented, and that was from the military.”
For anyone considering military service, including one GHS student who shared her plans to enroll in the Air Force, Bedford offers an encouraging perspective, particularly for those preparing to take their first steps into the armed forces.
“My biggest message I give to them is that you're going to have the greatest adventure in your life,” he said. “Enjoy that adventure. Don't look at it like, ‘Oh, I've got four years left.’ Just take it day by day.”
He encouraged young people to make the most of the opportunities military service can provide, including the chance to travel, experience different cultures, and develop lifelong friendships.
“Whether you're stateside or overseas, there's a lot of opportunity to visit a lot of cool places that you'll never get to see when you get out,” he said.
Bedford also spoke about the importance of preserving veterans’ stories, particularly as older generations who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam become fewer in number. He encouraged students to sit down with parents, grandparents and other family members who served and ask about their experiences.
“Just say, where were you at? Show me on a map where you were at. What did you do when you were over there? What fun things did you do? What things didn't you like about it?” he suggested.
Those conversations, he said, are important to preserving family and community history. He noted that many World War II and Korean War veterans are no longer around, while the number of Vietnam veterans is also declining.
“Just tell all veterans to tell your story to your family. Don't keep it a secret,” Bedford said. “Whether you volunteered or were ‘volun-told,’ you did something for this country that only 1% of Americans did.”
Bedford said he appreciates the way the Geneseo community consistently recognizes and supports its veterans, noting that residents regularly approach service members to express their gratitude.
Ryerson echoed that appreciation in his closing message to those gathered.
“To all of our veterans here today and those who have served throughout our nation's history, thank you,” Ryerson said. “We are honored to recognize you, and we are grateful for all you have done. Thank you for your service and your sacrifices made by you and your families.”
Prior to the assembly, veterans were invited to attend a reception featuring refreshments, providing an opportunity to visit with one another and connect with members of the school community. Happy Veterans Day to all who have served our country. We are grateful for your courage, sacrifice and dedication, and we sincerely thank you for your service!
