Amish Boy Finds Adventure in the U.S. Navy

Ervin Byler, Salida, retired from a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy at the rank of senior chief petty officer.

For a young Amish boy, the Navy provided a way to see the world.

Born in Dover, Del., in 1941, he moved to Kentucky at age 17.

“I thought there was more to life than viewing horses’ behinds, so I decided to join the Navy,” he said.