Those that served

Interesting transportation:

For today:

I spent one fourth of my life in Military (USMC,USAF & USN) of course I know a lot of Veterans. We haven’t stayed in contact with many. RD Fletcher is still a close friend from the Corps. George Coleman and George Matheny from the AF. Dan Doughton, Steve Schmidt, Les Maifield, Jim Proffitt and my friend Frank Malanowski, with whom we renewed an acquaintance with last year. USN.

I served with some very good guys, some were heroes, all were dedicated. There was Fred Brannen, Harry & Jim of the CoastGuard. . My life was made better for knowing those guys.

Of my close childhood friends Buddy Sansbury, Jim Page & Newt Hicks joined the service. But as a guy who loved the military life I also have friends from my childhood that I admired. Those that served in WWII. Top was my brothers Odis and Jr.  Junior was my USN hero who as a gunners mate was a decorated hero. Also his sons Ted and Joe served.  Ted (USMC) served in combat honorable in Nam. Uncles and cousins in mass served WWII & Korea. The Herron boys Billy, Jimmy and Eddie all served. There was Heisure, Hershall, Roy and Fred.. There were a bunch of Fulbrights (Harold, Fred Jr. et al). Sherry’s brothers always amazed me. Lefty Harris was wounded on Iwo Jima and Vernon served three full tours in Vietnam.  Both highly decorated heroes of mine.  Shirley’s hubby Jim Wrape & BIL Elmer Davidson both USA.

Those  vets admired by their sons, and followed their example, here are some that come to mind: Armond Wrape(USN), Rickie Harris (USA,USN), Howard D. Darnell (USN) and Henry Harbinson (USMC)

Then those friends close and afar Heroes all: Chaplain Mixon, Rick, Woody, Claude Setzer, 'Conrads, Kenneth and Harry'. Grover of Opp, Mel Lieck of San Antonio, Tom of Alabama. More and more come to mind I know I have missed a bunch, it would be absolutely impossible to name them all.

Close Belmont friends Ed Huggins, Don Funderburk, Jims Arp & Conrad.

The above listed Veterans I am proud to know. There are hundreds more I served with and am grateful to have known them. I knew many vets who became Grandpas. I even know Susan K’s grandpa now,  he was also a veteran of the great war, and YAYA's dad who served but passed at 56, too young.  God bless those memories!

BUT, but there are people forgotten at times in the rush of today. The families, girlfriends, loved ones who many times were left behind to handle kids, bills, moves, grocery shopping, colds, broken bones, school activities, etc. My honor goes to them for their love and patience.  For the Support, letters, phone calls, and the tears of love and frustration.  THIS day brings so many memories.

      HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY, Hug one!

Nite Shipslog