Below is a Q&A-style interview with Steve Florence, vice president of sales & service for Starr Textile Services, Foley, AL. As a U.S. Navy communications technician, he monitored the movements of Soviet submarines and processed highly sensitive military intelligence.

Can you tell us a little about your military background?

I originally joined the Navy to attempt to go Annapolis (U.S. Naval Academy) and become an officer. I was raised on all things military and was considering staying in. I joined the U.S. Naval Reserve. They took promising enlisted personnel and sent them to prep schools to qualify to enter ...