GUNBUSTERS

We spend a lot of time talking about veteran-owned spirits in this column. But a truly relaxing, rewarding end-of-the-day drinking experience involves more than just good booze. Fortunately, this issue’s Veteran Vices column has you covered. Glenn Yench, former electronics technician, weapons rate, comes to this column all the way from Down Under.

- Tom Marshall

Glenn served for six years in the Australian Navy in the aforementioned role, roughly equivalent to a gunner’s mate in the U.S. Navy — the primary difference being the Aussie version doesn’t deal with small arms. Instead, he maintained shipboard weapon systems like 5-inch deck guns, Harpoon missile systems, and torpedoes. He served on ANZAC class frigates, including participating in the 2008 RIMPAC security joint exercise that allowed him to “cross-deck” to a U.S. Navy destroyer.