(Revised) 11/11/11: Veterans Day

November 11, 2011 | Filed under Military,Patriotism | Posted by

(POST REVISED AT END)

Who are the military veterans in your family? Are you a veteran?

I’ll go first.

My father is a retired U.S. Air Force First Sergeant (E-7).

My step-sister Debbie was in the Air Force, and she was one of the cooks who fed the participants of Desert Storm.

Then there is this guy:

In May 1986 I surprised my cousin Jeannie by showing up in uniform at her school’s award ceremony. After the ceremony, her father took the above photo of me with Jeannie, her brother Allen and her sister Sammy.  My cousin Allen is preparing to retire from the U.S. Army. He enlisted immediately after high school, and he has served in Iraq more than once.

Now it’s your turn to talk about the veterans in your life.

REVISION: I could kick myself for forgetting other veterans in my family.

One is my elder cousin Lee, who is the father of the children in the above photo. He was a soldier in Vietnam when he met the Vietnamese woman who became his wife and the mother of his children. That is why my cousin Jeannie was born in Vietnam. Lee’s elder brother Lloyd is retired from the Army.

My mother’s cousin R.G. is a retired Navy CPO. I have heard plenty of stories about his Navy adventures.

As for my deceased family members who served in the military, one of my ancestors was extraordinary. See for yourself.  You could say that U. S. patriotism runs in my blood, which is fitting because I was born on July 4th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted by on November 11, 2011.
Filed under Military, Patriotism.
A refugee from Planet Melmac masquerading as a human. Loves cats*. In fair condition. A fixer-upper. Warranty still good. Not necessarily sane.[*Joke in reference to the TV sit-com "Alf", which featured a space alien who liked to eat cats. Disclaimer: No cats were harmed in the writing and posting of this profile.]

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  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_EJGOSD7BRBBY4ZQQEUCFQU4GHU W

    My Grandfather flew the Burma Hump in WWII. My dad was a Marine. Several uncles and several great uncles served in various branches.  I was in the Army.

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      W., thank you for your service in the Army.

  • Anonymous

    My father was in the Navy during WWII. He was involved with the Alusian Islands and the A-Bomb tests in the pacific. My cousin served in the marines in Vietnam and I served in the Navy during Vietnam. ww

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      Wild_Willie, thank you for your service in the Navy.

  • Anonymous

    My father-in-law, from his obit:

    He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, and later was inducted into the Army on
    Nov. 4, 1942. After months of training, on Feb. 27, 1944, he was shipped out to
    Europe with Company B’s 4th Armored Division, 704th Tank Destroyer
    Battalion.

    He landed on Utah Beach, traveled over 1,800 miles in Normandy, Belgium,
    France, Czechoslovakia, and Germany. He fought in the Battle of the Normandy,
    the Battle of the Bulge, and other major battles in Rhineland, Northern France,
    and Central Europe. He was discharged from the Army on Oct. 19, 1945.

    He received the Distinguished Unit Citation, France’s Croix de Guerre, INC,
    and Fouragerre, with olive cluster. His uniform jacket hangs in a museum in the
    Diekirch Historical Museum.

    ___________________________________________________________________

    He wasn’t too happy when his daughter started dating me, being that I drove a VW at the time.

    Ironically enough, he passed away on Memorial Day 2008.

  • Anonymous

    One grandfather enlisted in the Corps at Eighth and I St in 1900.  He was 15 years old.  Retired as SgtMaj in 1929.  Returned to active duty during WWII, retired as WO4.  The other grandfather was in the Naval Reserve at the beginning of WWI.  Ended up in US Army artillery unit.  Wounded in gas attack (Muse-Argonne) and returned home.  3 uncles served in the Army during WWII.  One (MP) in a little backwater town called Alamogordo, New Mexico.  Another (declared unfit for overseas duty due to recurring pneumonia) guarded prisoners in Texas.  The third, Army Engineers, made landings in North Africa – Operation Torch and in France on June 6th (Omaha Beach).  One uncle in the US Merchant Marine survived several runs to Murmansk.  Another uncle served in the Navy on LST’s in the South Pacific.  Dad was a career Marine; WWII, Korea and Vietnam.  My brother and I were the family heretics.  Figured we’d already served in the Marine Corps the 1st 18 years of our lives.  Served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne.  Little brother made a career of the Air Force, recently retiring as a MSgt; served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Iraq.

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      GarandFan, thank you for your service in the Army.

  • Anonymous

    Ooops!  Forgot my father-in-law.  Also career Marine.  Retired, joined the Secret Service, was on Nixon’s protection detail.

    Funny story.  When I first introduced my future wife to my parents, my Dad was in shock when he learned her father’s name.  Seems her Dad kicked my Dad’s butt back in 1947 for moving too slowly during a drill setting up a mortar position. 

    • Anonymous

      “Seems her Dad kicked my Dad’s butt back in 1947 for moving too slowly during a drill”

      Wow! Talk about a small world….

  • Anonymous

    Dave, its good to see what you looked like before you stopped shaving.

       I was conceived thanks to the USN hiring WAVES to work in Charleston when my Dad was reassigned there.  Mom outranked Dad when they met, and remained in charge ’til she died.  Don’t tell him that, though.  I was born in a USAF hospital overseas and did my 8 years with them age 43-51.  Been to all the Somewheristans, Sandy Places and Balkanians on Army camps and Navy stations.  Glad to be still of some use as a civilian.

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      Doc, thanks for what you did. By the way, does a husband ever outrank a wife?

  • http://wizbangblog.com/author/rodney-graves/ Rodney G. Graves

    I was Navy, MM2(SS) when I reported to USNA as part of the class of ’87.  Left service in 1992 as a Lieutenant (Surfface Warfare).

    My father was USAF in Korea.  Two uncles (one by blood one marriage) were Navy in the Korea time frame.  One of my brothers in law was Navy (Vietnam era).  Maternal Grandfather was Navy (WWI).

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      Rodney, thank you for your service in the Navy. Did your basic training take place at Great Mistakes . . . err . . . Great Lakes?

      • http://wizbangblog.com/author/rodney-graves/ Rodney G. Graves

        I did Basic at RTC/NTC San Diego.

        Great Lakes was MM “A” School.

        • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

          Yeah, my MM “A” school was also in Great Lakes.

          • http://wizbangblog.com/author/rodney-graves/ Rodney G. Graves

            What did they have you doing as a Machinest’s Mate?

            I was in M-Div on a boomer.

          • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

            Immediately after “A” School, I went to Orlando, where I attended the Nuclear Power School as a MM3. After surviving there (not all students did), I went to Idaho, where I trained at a nuclear power facility. Sadly, I became seriously ill and ended up in the Navy hospital at Bremerton, WA. The Navy discharged me for a medical reason after a doctor decided that I had a pre-existing condition – meaning that I was given a “zero” disability rating.  Later, a VA doctor determined that the Navy doctor had misdiagnosed me. Thankfully, I had been in the Navy for over 2 years at the time of my discharge. So, I am qualified for anything that any honorably-discharged veteran is qualified for.

            Had I completed my training, I would have been a mechanical operator on a nuclear-powered vessel.  My real contribution to the Navy was the brief desk assignment that I had in the supply department at the Orlando base. During that assignment, I helped the Navy obtain supplies.

          • http://wizbangblog.com/author/rodney-graves/ Rodney G. Graves

            Heh.

            I did Nuc School in Orlando, Section 14.  Then prototype at NPTU Idaho Falls on the A1W plant.  I was there for the final shutdown of S1W and was able to tour that prototype while it was still operational.

            From there to George C. Bancroft (SSBN-643) Gold Crew as an RMO in M gang.  Thence to Canoe U.

            Commissioned service in Gridley (CG-21) as Electrical Officer and later as EWO.

          • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

            Me: Orlando NPS Class 8701; then NPTU Idaho Falls at S5G plant. A1W plant was still in use. Had my apartment in Idaho Falls. I had wanted to be on a SSBN. I hated being a MM; I wanted to be either an ET or an EM. As a MM, I was hoping to become a Lab Tech. However, all that ended when I collapsed after a dry-spill drill inside the plant. What with there being no medical personnel on the site, nobody checked my vital signs immediately after my collapse.  I collapsed again while performing light duty at the HQ in Idaho Falls. After that, I never returned to S5G.

          • http://wizbangblog.com/author/rodney-graves/ Rodney G. Graves

            S5G was TULLIBE as I recall…

          • Anonymous

            Well, well, I am impressed. Nuke MM, wow.  I would have taken you for a BT.

  • herddog505

    Self – NCARNG (Field Artillery)

    Brother- NCARNG (Armor; Bosnia peacekeeper)

    Father – USAF (SAC), TNANG, KYANG

    Father-in-law – USA (Infantry, Vietnam)

    Uncles – USA, USAF

    Great uncle – USA, KIA, France, October 1918

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      herddog505, thank you for your service in the NCARNG.

  • http://www.facebook.com/Stan25 Stan Brewer

    My father joined the army in 1947 and was sent to Japan as part of the occupation forces. He was was the Hotel division and got to rub shoulders with some of the VIPs of the day. When the Korean thing started he was sent over there and was in on the Inchon landing. He was on Yalu River when the Chinese started their offensive. He was also at the Frozen Chosin. He was wounded and spent the rest of the conflict in hospital in Japan and stateside. His last duty station was Camp Carson Co, now Fort Carson. I also have two uncles that served. One was in the Army, in the South Pacific (WW2) and the other was in the Navy. The one in the Navy was a parachute rigger and he designed the orange flight suits that were worn by both the Air Force and Navy pilots. He served on the USS Ranger and USS Enterprise in the waters off Vietnam. A high school classmate joined the Air Force, the year he graduated high school. He retired after 30 years in 2006. While I didn’t serve, I did a lot of contract work for the Army when I was working down in the Salt Lake City area. I hauled asphalt to the ordnance depot at Tooele Ut

  • Oysteria

    I was born in Great Lakes Naval hospital while my father was in the Army in Germany.  My husband was Army.  His Father was Army and his father was Army.  Our family, on my mother’s side, has a long history of service going back to the Revolutionary War.

  • http://www.harlemghost.blogspot.com/ HarlemGhost

    Great grandfather, 40 years USN, Grandfather 35+ years USN POW in Japan during WW2, father 3 years USN during Korean War, myself USN 1974-1985 …  second cousin, 3 tours in Iraq and Afghan in US Army, cousin Green Beret during Vietnam …

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      HarlemGhost, thank you for your service in the Navy.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JTBSMBHL4OJ3HTFVVJRHEEEMLY Lee

    My great-grandfather was in the 6th West Virginia Infantry, Army of the Potomac; my dad was in the Army during the Korean War; his older brother Clay was in the Marines, wounded at Tarawa; his older brother Wayne was also in the Army during the Korean War; his younger brother was drafted and was about to be sent to Korea as well, but was sent to Berlin. I was in the Army from 84-90, serving in CA and later Korea. One of my uncles by marriage was in the Army during WWII and later recalled for Korea. My mother-in-law was an Air Force nurse when she met my father-in-law who was ex-Air Force. And I have had several uncles by marriage who also served, including two who were in Vietnam.

  • Anonymous

    My father (Captain Army Air Corps/USAF), and his father (Sergeant US Army Cavalry) died on active duty while serving our country.  At my retirement ceremony, I led a prayer in their memory. “We are gathered here today standing on the shoulders of giants who came before us; Dad and Grandfather, your sacrifice was not in vain; One of your own has finally made it and is retiring; Amen.”
       
    Days like today (and yesterday’s birthday) – are a good time to reflect and retouch those memories.  I’m proud of all who served and continue to serve.  Thank you, and God bless you.

    Semper Fidelis-
    MGySgt USMC Ret

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      Brucepall, thank you for your service as a Marine. You may be retired, but you are still a Marine.

      • Anonymous

        Your welcome David.  

         I’ve turned in at the end of the day.  My beautiful wife is already asleep; and I gently reached over and smoothed a loose strand of her hair into the others, as I gazed in awe at her angelic face and listened to her rhythmic breathing.  This is what its all about.  There is life after the Corps… and its sweet.  Good night all.

        Semper Fidelis-

  • jim_m

    My father served as a PFC in WWII.  He arrived late and was posted to duty as a prison guard for the Nuremberg trials.  Rather unglamorous duty, the highlight of which may have been cleaning the gymnasium floor after the hangings.

    My grandfather served in WWI.  He served in what was the beginning of the air force. 

    Alas none of my generation have served and I think that is a failing on the part of the parents not to have rightly emphasized the benefits and privilege of doing so. 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_G7YIUZMXOD5JGZZTCYMVA75KFU Shadow

    Because of your service and that of your relatives, you are all my family. 
    Thank you to all of the brave from one of the free because of your sacrifices.

  • Anonymous

    I was amazed when our Minister asked the members of our congregation who had served or are now serving, or had immediate family members who served or are serving, or had filled a job in support our troops at some point in their lives to stand up and be recognized this past Veterans Day;  there was nary a handful in the entire congregation remaining seated…  and this was a Unitarian Universalist church.  

    To me, such affirmations are indicative of the deep ties that run throughout the heartland of America.  It binds us together.  May it always be so.

    Semper Fidelis-

  • Anonymous

    My husband, who retired after 22 years service, started his career in WW2. My father and uncle served in WW2. My brother served in the 60′s at Ft. Lewis WA. jump school, then to “The Rock.” I am sorry my memory fails as to the correct name of this island.
    My son was in Operation Desert Storm and retired after 22 years of service. My grandfather in WW1 along with his four brothers. My great grandfather served in the Civil War. My gr gr great grandfather served in the War of 1812.

    • http://www.facebook.com/Stan25 Stan Brewer

      The Rock was Corregidor in Manila Bay Philippines

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      Ladymary, thank you for your sevice as a military spouse.

  • Anonymous

    My dad served in the Coast Guard in WWII.  Two uncles in the army at the same time.  One was a Japanese POW for 3 years.  A great uncle in the army during WWI.  I was in Navy during Viet Nam.  Discharged as LTjg.

    • http://www.wizbangblog.com David Robertson

      ackwired, thank you for your service in the Navy.

  • retired.military

    /salute to all veterans (even  Chico)

    • Anonymous

      Why thank you, Retired, same to you.

      RA, USAR and USNR (active and ready reserve) here.  10 years active duty, 24 years total service.  Waiting for my pension at age 60.

  • Anonymous

    Since WW2 every male in my family has served at least one tour in one of the armed forces.

    I did eight years in the army as a communications tech.

  • Ken in Camarillo

    Posting late: my father served in the Navy in WWII, in the Aleutians and in Seattle. Four of my Mom’s brothers also served in WWII. Her fifth brother worked for the railroad, so he was asked to stay there. My Mom served as a civilian in the disbursement section in Seattle, sending checks to the suppliers for the shipyards. By the end of the war she was 22 and was supervising about 10 people in her section. I guess you received responsibility at a young age back then. I served in the ARMY Reserves from ’71 to ’77 doing Avionics Navigation Radio Repair 35M20. Our unit was never activated, so I did not see any hostilities.

  • Anonymous

    I have TWELVE veterans in my family:

    Grandfather–Navy WWI, USCG WWII Pacific
    Great-Uncle–Navy WWI and WWII
    Father–USAF
    Uncle–Army, Korea and Vietnam
    Stepfather–Navy WWII Pacific
    Another uncle–USAF
    Yet another uncle–Army
    Still another uncle–Army
    Cousin–Navy
    Another cousin–Army, Iraq
    Still another cousin–USMC
    Brother-in-law–Army, Afghanistan (4 tours)