Today is Veteran's Day. I do have strong feelings for the people that put themself in harms way to keep this country free. Having been born in the very early stages of World War II, I got to witness the sacrifice made by millions of men and women. They deserve respect.
My Uncle Bob (Robert Jack) was the first to enter World War II as an enlistee. He wanted to be a "flyboy". He flew cargo planes in the South Pacific from 1943-1946. I think he was a Lieutenant.
My Dad (Bucky) was drafted. Bewilderment reigned supreme. He never thought that being married with 3 children would qualify him for the draft but by the end of World War II if you could walk and talk, you were drafted. He served less that two years in the South Pacific and was in a support administrative position. Bucky went in as a Private and I'm not sure what rank he was at discharge.
My Uncle Jerry (Grandma Alice's brother) enlisted originally in the Army (I think Army). After his enlistment was up, he tried college for a semester. Jerry wasn't ready for college so he succumbed to the Navy's monetary offer. He served 20 years retiring as a Chief Petty Officer from the Naval Sea-Bees. "Big Jerry" lived with our family between enlistments at the City Club during the 1950's. He retired in the 1970's. I know he had two tours of Vietnam.
My brother Jack enlisted in the Navy prior to graduating High School (I think 1960). Amazingly he became a model Navy recruit and made several honor guards. About 18 months into his enlistment, he developed a bone cist on the big bone in his leg (above the knee). He was airlifted off a Naval ship for surgical removal of the cist and ended up being discharged with a medical disability.
Brother Jerry was drafted during the Vietnam skirmish. As I recall when he reported for duty, all the draftees counted off in "fours". Those being No.1 were sent right to basic training and were to be shipped directly to Vietnam. Jerry's was not a No.1 and ended up being trained with the intent of being available for Vietnam if required. He stayed "state-side" during his tour of duty. He performed clerical/administrative service.
Not forgotten members of our family with military service were;
Jerry Andrews (Brother Jack's son). I think the Army.
Ryan Eisenhardt (Addie & Ike's son). He was proud graduate of the Naval Academy. I know he trained in helicopter flying and other aircraft.
Joey Andrews (Brother Jerry's son). I believe the Marines. He made it to hot Saudi Arabia.
Bob Steger (Mom's brother) was in the Army Reserve and got called up for potential deployment to Germany in the early 1960's. He was stationed in the State of Washington. Actually, Paul Horning and other members of the Green Bay Packers were also stationed in Washington and traveled back to Green Bay to play NFL football on Sundays. Bob's Reserve unit was never sent to Germany. I think the "call up to permanent duty" lasted one year.
"Ike" Eisenhardt. I think Ike was in the Navy. I recall stories about visiting Japan,
I don't know who I missed? Everyone mentioned deserves to stand proud. There is no way to measure their contribution. It is huge.
The lesson Grasshoppers is that freedom has a price. Don't let some politician piss away a priceless gift that others have died for.
Happy Veteran's Day.
Love,
Dad