The Anchor Holds: Faith, Family and Finding Your Way Home

Words from the Wise

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From the dusty baseball diamonds of Dublin, Georgia to the deck of a Navy warship in Japan, Chief Tavares Clover's journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the power of staying true to your roots. In this heartfelt conversation with host Gary Wise, a fellow Navy veteran, Chief Clover reveals how his upbringing in a small Southern town shaped the foundations of his character long before he put on a uniform.
Chief Clover's story takes us through unexpected career pivots – from reluctantly entering as a cook to finding his true calling in logistics. With refreshing candor, he shares how he navigated the challenges of military advancement, cross-rating to create opportunity, and eventually achieving the coveted anchors of a Chief Petty Officer. His perspective on leadership, particularly his commitment to "flawless execution of the basics" and deck plate leadership, offers wisdom applicable far beyond military contexts.
The conversation deepens as Chief Clover reflects on maintaining long-distance relationships during deployment, finding love unexpectedly before his overseas tour, and the profound decisions that led him back to his hometown after retirement. His account of building a life after service – constructing a home on family land, finding meaningful work as a defense contractor, and raising three daughters in the community where he grew up – provides a roadmap for those contemplating their own transitions.
What makes this episode exceptional is how it weaves together the professional and deeply personal aspects of military service. Chief Clover's journey demonstrates how our earliest influences shape our approach to challenges, how faith guides critical life decisions, and how sometimes the path forward requires returning to our beginnings.
Whether you're currently serving, contemplating military life, or simply fascinated by authentic stories of personal growth, this conversation offers insights into finding purpose and creating meaningful connections in an increasingly fragmented world. Listen now to discover how small-town values can translate to global impact and enduring leadership.

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Chapters

1. Episode Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Growing Up in Dublin, Georgia (00:11:05)

3. Sports, Jobs, and Military Ambitions (00:25:29)

4. First Steps in Navy Life (00:46:46)

5. Crossing Rates and Career Growth (01:09:26)

6. Serving as Jack of the Dust (01:25:41)

7. Transitioning to Reserve Support (01:38:38)