THE WI NEWSLETTER VETERANS DAY

THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Veteran's Day

11-11-2005

Flanders Field, - Belgium

IN FLANDERS FIELD
by Major John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies
grow
In Flanders fields.

RAISING THE FLAG
Marines landed on Iwo Jima on Feb 19, 1945, attacked Mt Suribachi and raised the American flag on its summit on Feb 23rd. Conquest of Iwo Jima was completed by March 16.

The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people.

KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL
The new Korean War Veterans' Memorial lies in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial, near the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial on the west end of the Mall.

It consists of 19 larger-than-life statues of U.S. ground troopers equipped for battle moving toward an American flag.

Etched into the granite are photographs of hundreds of faces taken from military archives.

VIETNAM WALL
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., known simply as "The Wall," is one of the most visited sites in the city of Washington.

"The Wall" was built in Constitution Gardens in Washington, D.C., through private donations from the public, and dedicated in 1982.

WE REMEMBER AND HONOR THOSE WHO SERVED
We honor these veterans on Veterans Day 2005. We thank them.
To read more about a few of these brave people, read the entire report.

AICHELE, TOMMY WI 1957	NAVY
ALBAUGH, ALLEN	WW II
ANDRE, RENE	WW II
ASH, THOMAS	WW II
ASHLEY, JIM WI 1962	ARMY RESERVE
AUCREMANNE, M.	WW II
AXTON, LILLIAN JEAN WI 1937	ARMY
BART, PATSY WI 1946	ARMY
BASTIN, ERNIE WI 1957	NAVY
BAYNE, DICK	WW II
BEALL, BROOK ND 1958	WV AIR NATIONAL GUARD
BEE, ROBERT L.	WW II ARMY
BELL, ARNET	WW II
BERGER, BILL WI 1960	ARMY
BEVAN, RICHARD WI 1943	NAVY
BEWICK, ROBERT DIXON JR WI 1952	ARMY
BIAFORE, JOHN	WW II
BLACKWELL, DAWSON	WW II
BLAIR, BOB WI 1948	AIR FORCE
BLANKENSHIP, JENNINGS BRYAN JR WI 1940
BOGGS, BROWNING WI 1950	AIR FORCE
BOGGS, JOE WI 1954	AIR FORCE
BOLTON, ALFRED	WW II
BONNER, FRED	NAVY
BONNETT, FRANK	WW II
BOWIE, GROVER (SKIP) WI 1957	NAVY
BRAMHAM, BOB WI 1953	MARINES
BRANNON, PETE WI 1977	MARINES
BRASSINE, BILL WI 1954	VIET NAM ARMY MEDICAL CORP
BROWN, BERNARD	WW II
BROWN, CALUD	WW II
BROWN, PAUL. M. WI 1931	NAVY
BROWN, RALPH WI 1965	AIR FORCE
BROWN, TOM WI 1959	US NAVY
BURKA, MELVIN	WW II
BURKHAMMER, CHARLES WI 1959	US ARMY
BURNSIDE, WARREN (“MUTT”)	WW II
BUSH, FRANK WI 1959	AIR FORCE
CAMPBELL, JOHN WI 1959	GREENLAND
CARDER, WILLIAM JAY WI 1952	US ARMY
CHADWELL, RAYMOND	WW II
CHEESMAN, MATHAN	WW II
CHICARELL, DON WI 1953	MARINES
CHRISTIE, JOHN WI 1959	US NAVY
CLARK, KEITH WI 1941	MARINES WW II
CLARK, TOM WI 1939	MARINES WW II
CLEAVENGER, RON WI 1963	ARMY
COLASANTE, FRED	WW II NAVY SEABEES
COLE, WAITMAN	WW II
COLLINS, BUD WI 1955	ARMY
CORDER, JAMES RUSSELL	*VIET NAM US MARINES PFC - E2
CORK, CLIFFORD M.	*VIET NAM US MARINES PFC-E-2
CORK, RON WI 1953	MARINES
CORNELL, DALAS	WW II
CORPENING, MALCOLM WI 1948	AIR FORCE
CORSINI , DAVID WI 1950	ARMY
COTTRILL, BILL	WW II
COTTRILL, HERB WI 1952
COWGILL, GLEN WI 1959	US AIR FORCE RETIRED
COYNER, BILL WI 1954	ARMY
COYNER, BILL WI 1954
COYNER, RANDY WI 1960	AIR FORCE
COYNER, RANDY WI 1960
CRISS, JIM WI 1948	USCG
CRISWELL, DICK	WW II
CROSS, TOM WI 1948	MARINES
CURRY, KEITH ROYAL WILSON	*VIET NAM US NAVY CDR - 05
DARNALL, JON WI 1953	MARINES
DAVIS, KENNY WI 1940	ARMY
DAVIS, BOB WI 1959	US NAVY
DAVIS, GENE WI 1959	US ARMY
DAVIS, MITCH WI 1961	ARMY
DAVIS, NAAMAN WI 1937	ARMY
DAWSON, GARY WI 1961	VIET NAM US MARINE CORPS
DIESON, HARRY	WW II
DIFFELMYER, KENNETH	WW II
DUNCAN, ROGER WI 1965	AIR FORCE
DUNHAM, FRED WI 1957	USMCR PFC
DUSSART, ART	WW II
DYE, RONALD HARVEY	*VIET NAM US MARINES PFC-E2
EARP, DAVID WI 1952	ARMY
EARP, JAMES	ARMY AIR CORPS
EAVENSON, LARRY	WW II
EDWARDS, JOHN WI 1948	AIR FORCE
EMERSON, JR., ERVIN	*VIET NAM US MARINES PFC-E2
EMRICK, JACK WI 1954	MARINES
FERGUSON, TOM WI 1953	AIR FORCE
FERRELL, CHARLES WI 1946	ARMY
FERRIS, DEWAIN	WW II
FINLEY, JAMES	WW II
FITCH, DICK WI 1956	AIR FORCE
FLEMING, JIM WI 1957	NAVY
FLOYD, BUZZY VHS 1956	USMC RESERVES
FRAGALE, RAYMOND	WW II
FRAGOMENE, VINCENT WI 1959	US NAVY DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
FRANCES, BOB	WW II
FREEMAN, GLENN WAYNE	*VIET NAM US MARINES CPL -- E4
GALVAN, ED VIET NAM SPEC 5	US ARMY MEDIC
GANDY, JOHN	WW II
GARRETT, DAVE WI 1953	MARINES
GARRETT, THOMAS W. WI 1965	ARMY
GARRETT, TOM WI 1953	AIR FORCE
GARRETT, WILLIAM C. (BILL) WI 1963	ARMY
GASKINS, EDWARD WI 1952	ARMY
GAYLORD, FRANK WI 1942
GENSEL, AL WI 1946	ARMY
GOLDEN, EDDIE N. WI 1966	US ARMY
GOLDSMITH, JR, CARL E	*VIET NAM US MARINES LCPL-E3
GOOTS, JOHN (CHUTTY) WI 1950	KOREA AIR FORCE
GRIFFIN, JOPE	WW II
GRIFFIN, ROBERT	KOREA AIR FORCE (AIRMAN 1ST CLASS)
GROW, RON WI 1955	ARMY
HACHAT, LLOYD	WW II
HALPENNY, JERRY LEE	*VIET NAM US ARMY CPL - E4
HAMRICK, EDWARD JOSEPH	*VIET NAM US ARMY SP4--E4
HANIFAN, DICK WI 1959	VIET NAM US ARMY
HARRISON, JOHN WI 1956	MARINES
HARRISON, ROBERT T. WI 1952	NAVY
HARTMAN, TOM	WW II
HAUGHT, JR. HOWARD T	*VIET NAM US ARMY SP4--E4
HAWKER, HERBERT	WW II
HEAVNER, JIM	WW II
HEIDELMEIR, JOHN	WW II
HEITZ, JIM WI 1950	ARMY
HERSMAN, JOHN W. WI 1967	NAVY
HICHMAN, EARL	WW II
HILLER, ROBERT L. WI 1952	NAVY
HINKLE, RICHARD (DICK) WI 1948	MARINES
HITE, CLAY B. WI 1950	ARMY
HOLDEN, BLAIR WI 1964	AIR FORCE
HOLDSWORTH, LESLIE WI 1931	NAVY
HOLDSWORTH, LESLIE D. WI 1949	NAVY
HOLT, BILL	WW II
HOLT, ERNEST	NAVY WW II
HOLT, FRANCES RUTH	WW II
HOOPER, FRANK	WW II
HORNER, DAVID WI 1945	ARMY
HORNOR, JIM WI 1959	US ARMY 1ST LT.
HORR, JACK E. WI 1937	ARMY
HORTON, ROBERT	ARMY (RETIRED) SERVED LAST TOUR IN BAGHDAD
HOUSE, CARRIS WI 1951	ARMY
HOVEY, JIM WI 1962	VIET NAM US MARINES
HOVEY, JOHN WI 1964	NAVY
HOVEY, LARRY WI 1966	NAVY
HURST, JIM MARINES
HYRE, CHARLES	WW II
IACONIS, JOHN WI 1959	VIET NAM US NAVY
IAQUINTA, SAM WI 1956	NAVY
ICE, WESLEY GENE	*VIET NAM US ARMY PFC - E3 INTELLIGENCE-RETIRED
JARANKO, H. GREGORY WI 1960	US ARMY
JARANKO, STANLEY (BUCK) M. WI 1951	AIR FORCE
JEFFRIES, BILL	WW II
JENKINS, ROBERT	WW II
JONES, OAKAH	VIET NAM USAF
JURGENS, JOCK WI 1953	MARINES
KENSLER, RUSSEL WI 1947	ARMY
KERNS, EDDIE WI 1959	VIET NAM US NAVY
KIDD, WAYNE HUFFMAN	*VIET NAM US ARMY CAPT-03
KING, GARY WI 1965	AIR FORCE
KINNEY, DAVID LAWRENCE WI 1951	AIR FORCE
KNIGHT, WALTER GRANT	*VIET NAM US ARMY SP5-E5
KOPP, BOB WI 1956	MARINES
LADUE, BILL WI 1953	MARINES
LAWMAN, CLARK	WW II
LEE, JOHN EDWARD WI 1965	US ARMY
LEE, THOMAS ELKINS, III WI 1958	US ARMY
LEE, THOMAS ELKINS, JR WI 1923	US ARMY
LEULIETTE, CHET	WW II
LIMBERS, HAL W., JR.	US ARMY-65TH DIVISION
LOCHBAUM, RONALD WI 1948	ARMY
LOPEZ, FRANK ND	MAJOR MEDICAL ARMY RESERVES IRAQ
LOUDERMILK, JOHN	WW II
LOWTHER, RICH WI 1945	ARMY
LUDWICK, GARY L.	SFC 3RD SPECIAL FORCES GROUP
LYNCH, BILL WI 1948	NAVY
LYNCH, DON	WW II
LYNCH, HOBERT WI 1939	ARMY
LYNCH, JOHN WI 1944	ARMY
LYON, HENRY	WW II
LYON, JACK	WW II
LYON, LEO	WW II
MADIA, JOHN WI 1960	AIR FORCE, COL.
MAGUIRE, KELLY (CLOVIS) WI 1977	AIR FORCE
MALONE, BOBBY WI 1948	MARINES
MARKLEY, HARRISON	WW II
MARRA, JOE WI 1958	NAVY
MARTIN, DON WI 1957	NAVY
MARTIN, JAMES J WI 1943	KOREA TWO BRONZE STARS
MARTIN, JIM WI 1959	US ARMY
MARTINO, FRANK S. WI 1965	VIET NAM
MAXWELL, BOB WI 1948	NAVY
MAY, JIMMY WI 1967	ARMY
MAY, JOHN W. (BILL) WI 1963	ARMY
MAYER, HENRY (HANK) WI 1954	ARMY
MAZZA, DENNIS WI 1964	VIET NAM US ARMY COMMENDATION/MEDAL OF HONOR
MAZZO, TONY	WW II
MC CORMICK, RONALD LEE	*VIET NAM US ARMY SP4-E4
MCGOWAN, MICKEY WI 1959	US NAVY
MCGUIRE, BONITA	WW II
MCINTYRE, BRYAN WI 1965	ARMY
MCINTYRE, JAMES E. WI 1945	NAVY
MCINTYRE, PHILLIP G. WI 1948	MARINES
MCINTYRE, WESLEY P. WI 1957	AIR FORCE
MCINTYRE, WILLIAM D. WI 1950	AIR FORCE
MCKINNEY, ALLEN	WW II
MCNEMAR, RICHARD	WW II
MEANS, CHARLES E. WI 1950	MARINES
MELIGAN, CLARK WI 1950	USCG
MELIGAN, FRANK WI 1949	USCG
MENENDEZ, JR, LEO	*VIET NAM US MARINES PFC --E2
MEREDITH, JOHN W. WI 1968	AIR FORCE
MILLER, BILL	WW II
MILLER, H.K.	WW II
MILLER, LANCE (LANNY) WI 1961	ARMY
MILLS, JAMES P. WI 1949	AIR FORCE
MILLS, ROBERT M. WI 1944	AIR FORCE
MILSTEAD, PAUL	WW II
MINGYAR BROTHERS	WW II
MOORE, MIKE WI 1959	VIET NAM US ARMY
MOORE, TERRY RAY	*VIET NAM US ARMY CPL - E4
MOREL, PAUL	WW II
MORRIS, A. PAUL (BUD) WI 1949	NAVY
MORRIS, GUY “DOC”	WW II
MORRISON, HARRY	WW II
MUSCARI, FRANCIS D. WI 1957	NAVY
MYERS, GREG WI 1956	MARINES
NEUTZING, JOHN E. (JACK) WI 1953	MARINES
NICEWARNER, PHILIP E. (SONNY) WI 1956	ARMY
NUTTER, JAMES L. WI 1971	ARMY
NUTTER, OSCAR L. WI 1928	MARINE
NUZUM, PAUL	WW II
OGREN, RON WI 1950	AIR FORCE
OLIVERIO-JOHN & OWEN (TWINS)	WW II
PANAIA, FRANK WI 1948	AIR FORCE
PARKER, ROBERT	WW II
PARTICK, TEX DELANO	*VIET NAM US MARINES SSGT - E6
PATTON, SAM	WW II
PAUGH, JERRY WI 1959	VIET NAM US NAVY
PEARS, HASKELL J. WI 1933	NAVY
PEET, BILL	WW II
PEET, JAMES	WW II
PEET, ROBERT	WW II
PETHTEL, KENNETH J. WI 1966	ARMY
PHILLIPS, CHARLES	ARMY
PHILLIPS, CRAIG
PHILLIPS, EDWIN	NAVY
PHILLIPS, HAROLD J.	AIR FORCE
PHILLIPS, JAMIE M. WI 1975	AIR FORCE
PHILLIPS, LAWRENCE (RUSTY) WI 1937	ARMY
PHILLIPS, WILLIAM F. WI 1951	ARMY
PICK, MAXINE WI 1934	NAVY
PINION, BILLY WI 1946	ARMY
PINION, TONY WI 1946	ARMY
POLING, HURLEY	WW II
POLING, JOE	WW II
POST, AMOS	WW II
POTTER, JAMES B. WI 1965	ARMY
POWELL, CHARLES	WW II
POWELL, DAVID LEE	*VIET NAM US MARINES LCPL - E3
PRIMM, CHARLES WI 1956	AIR FORCE
RADCLIFFE, CARRISWI 1942	LT. COL.
RAUGH, THEODORE	WW II
RECTOR, PAUL WI 1958	AIR FORCE
REXROAD, LOEL FRANKLIN	*VIET NAM US AIR FORCE MAJ-04
ROBEY, GARY WI 1957	AIR FORCE
ROBINSON, JIM	WW II
ROBINSON, JOHN	WW II
ROSENTHAL, BARRY WI 1963	VIETNAM MARINES
RULE, MAX	WW II
SABLE, BROOKS EDWARD	*VIET NAM US ARMY CPL - E4
SAGER, DON WI 1956	US NAVY
SANDS, OKEY LEE	*VIET NAM US ARMY SP4 - E4
SAUCER, DAVID WI 1951	MARINES
SAYRE, JACK	WW II
SCADDEN, HAROLD WI ’80	US NAVY-SUBMARINE FORCE
SCADDEN, RAYMOND	WW II US ARMY
SCHOLL, GEORGE WI 1952	NAVY
SCHWEINEBRATEN, HENRY	WW II
SHAFFER, MIKE WI 1958	ARMY
SHAW, ALLEN	WW II
SHAW, WILLIAM C. WI 1956	MARINES
SHINGLETON, JR, THEODORE	*VIET NAM US MARINES PFC-E 2
SHUTTLEWORTH, CHARLES WI 1953	ARMY
SIEGREST, EDGAR	WW II
SIMPSON, DONALD F. WI 1952	ARMY
SIMPSON, GREGG WI 1977	AIR FORCE
SMITH, ALICE FARRIS WI 1950	NAVY
SMITH, GERALD	WW II
SMITH, HOWARD (BUD) WI 1955	NAVY
SMITH, MARVIN C. WI 1954
SMITH, SKIP WI 1958	NAVY
SNYDER, OLEY	WW II
SOMERS, JR, GENE WILLIAM	*VIET NAM US MARINES CPL - E4
SOUDERS, STEVE	MARINES, NAVY, USCG
SPANGLER, BURT WI 1938	ARMY
SPANGLER, MIRTH WI 1941	ARMY
SPANGLER, ROBERT WI 1939	AIR FORCE
SPANN, CHARLES W. WI 1963	VIET NAM US ARMY
SPANN, RICHARD M. WI 1962	VIET NAM US ARMY
SPEARS, BILL WI 1962	AIR FORC
STALNAKER, DANNY (GRANVILLE) WI 1961	US AIR FORCE-RETIRED
STANLEY, CALVIN	WW II
STANLEY, DONALD W. WI 1942	ARMY
STEALEY, CHARLES	WW II
STOKER, CARL	WW II
STOUT, RICHARD “LARRY” WI 1967	US MARINES
STRADER, E. DARRELL WI 1942	ARMY
STRADER, RICHARD F. WI 1953	MARINES
STRADER, ROBERT H. WI 1949	ARMY
STRICKLER, BILL WI 1953	ARMY
STURMS, RALPH WI 1965	AIR FORCE
SWIGER, HARRY RAY	*VIET NAM US ARMY SFC - E7
SWIGER, RICHARD JACKSON	*VIET NAM US ARMY SSGT - E6
TARAVIS, H.L.	WW II
TAYLOR, HERBERT	WW II
TETRICK, CLAUDE	WW II
TETRICK, RICHARD F. WI 1947	ARMY
THOMAS, BOB WI 1948	NAVY
TIMBERLAKE, JOHN WI 1948	ARMY
TINGLER, VIRGIL	WW II
TOMBLIN, DON WI 1948	ARMY
TORCHIA, STANLEY WI 1953	MARINES
TOWNSEND, ROBERT WI 1953	MARINES
TRIBETT, GLENN WI 1953	MARINES
TRICOT, ROGER	WW II
TUSTIN, BUCK WI 1955	NAVY
UPTON, ARTHUR WI 1948	AIR FORCE
URSO JR, SAMUEL B. WI 1957	KOREA LT. US ARMY
VAN GILDER, WESLEY	WW II
VANHORN, JIM WI 1948	NAVY
VANSCOY, CHARLES	WW II
WALLACE, GENE (BEEFY) WI 1948	MARINES
WALSH, JOHN WI 1966	ARMY
WARNE, JERRY WI 1959	ARMY RESERVE
WARNE, TERRY WI 1959	ARMY RESERVE
WASHINGTON, CHARLES WI 1965	AIR FORCE
WATKINS, WILLIAM	WW II
WELCH, JIM WI 1948	AIR FORCE
WELCH, ROBERT H. WI 1954	NAVY
WELLS, GEORGE WI 1929	NAVY
WELLS, MICHAEL ALONZO	*VIET NAM US ARMY PFC -E3
WERNER, RON WI 1959	US AF
WESTBROOK, CLIFTON	WW II
WESTFALL, CLAUDE Z. WI 1946	MARINES
WESTFALL, H. DONALD WI 1948	ARMY
WESTFALL, HAROLD	WW II
WETZEL, SAM WI 1948	ARMY
WHALEY, WARREN WI 1958	US ARMY
WHEELOCK, BUD WI 1960	AIR FORCE
WHITE, JAMES E. "SAM " WI 1953	MARINES
WHITE, CARL WI 1948	MARINES
WHITE, DAVID WI 1960(?)	ARMY
WHITE, JIM WI 1972	ARMY
WHITE, ROBERT WI 1941	ARMY
WHITE, ROBERT	WW II
WHITEMAN, SAM	WW II
WILLIAMS, C.E.	WW II
WILLIAMS, FRANK	WW II
WILLIAMS, FRANK P. WI 1942	ARMY
WILLIAMS, GRAY WI 1948	ARMY
WILLIAMS, JOHN	WW II
WILLIAMS, JOSEPH JR WI 1956	ARMY
WILLIAMS, LUTHER	WW II US ARMY STAFF SERGEANT
WILLIAMS, PETER L. WI 1940	AIR FORCE
WILSON, HAROLD	WW II
WILSON, RALPH 1948	ARMY
WIMER, JAMES	WW II
WINDON, GORDON	WW II
WINTERS, DALE
WINTERS, KENNETH WI 194 (?)	ARMY
WINTERS, ORVAL WI 1940	NAVY
WINTERS, ROBERT WI 1941	ARMY
WISEMAN, S.F.	WW II
WOOD, CARLTON	WW II
WRIGHT, GUY WI 1950	ARMY
WYANT, DON WI 1960	ARMY
WYGAL, R.J.	WW II
ZICKEFOOSE, REX WI 1959	NAVY

* Designates a military person from Harrison County who lost his/her life in Vietnam and is listed on the Vietnam Memorial wall.

FACT: HIGHEST STATE CASUALTIES
During Vietnam, West Virginia had the highest casualty rate in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. The state had 711 casualties -- 39.9 deaths per 100,000 people. Oklahoma had the second-highest casualty rate.

This information taken from the Vietnam Veterans Wall Memorial Page

BOOT CAMP - THE FIRST DAY
submitted by: Richard L. “Larry” Stout WI 1967
Corporal, USMC
April, 1969 - December, 1971

“Get off the bus, you scumbags, you maggots,” bellowed the mouth with the bulging eyes shaded by the Smokey Bear hat. Emerging from the bus, I noticed odd little yellow footprints painted on the asphalt parking lot in rows and columns. “Plant your feet on a pair of yellow footprints ladies!” It was another Smokey Bear hat growling and cursing as we scrambled to do his bidding. He had a gnarled, tanned face, but no visible neck, just a head attached to shoulders. As I stood on the yellow footprints, I knew my journey was over. I had arrived. This was Parris Island!

One of the Smokey Bear hats welcomed us to the Marine Corps and to Parris Island. It wasn’t “we’re glad you’re here,” but more “you will do what you are told and you will do it when you are told!” “Is that clear?” “Yes sir!” “I can’t heaaaaar you!” YES SIR!” We stood at attention and listened. It was as if God was speaking, and we hung on his every word. I guess we were a captive audience, and he certainly was in charge of our lives. Finally, we left our yellow footprints and were herded towards a long, two-story building they called a barracks. The barracks looked like something left over from another time or a movie set. “You’re too slow!” “Get it in gear!” “Move, move, move!” The Smokey Bear hats were every where, yelling and screaming, sometimes at the herd and sometimes at an unfortunate new “boot” who just happened to be in the Smokey Bear hat’s way. We scrambled to get in line and we waited to enter the door to the barracks, not knowing what was inside. As my turn came to wait at the door, I looked inside and saw a row of barbers and piles of hair strewn about the floor. Soon, my hair also fell to the floor. I was no longer a civilian!

All through the night we ran, never fast enough, from one place to another. After being fingerprinted, photographed, poked, prodded, and stuck with an assortment of needles, we scrambled into a long building with tables set up like a flea market. Here we received all of our military paraphernalia. As we marched (staggered) through what seemed like an assembly line, we were thrown shoes, boots, shirts, pants, underwear, and other assorted military gear. “Put on the fatigues, maggots!” “Come on ladies, move it!” We stripped away the last remembrances of civilian life and jumped into our new uniforms. We asked no questions, and everything fit. If we didn’t wear it, we stowed it. We crammed all of our new possessions into the military equivalent of luggage - “sea bags.” After receiving everything we would need for our military careers, we again ran to another building.

We moved like a snake up the stairs and onto the second floor of the barracks. There were bunks everywhere. We knew this wasn’t our final destination, just a temporary stop, while the Smokey Bear hats thought up more torture. We knew it might not last, so we took advantage of our refuge. We finally had a moment to breathe, to think, to talk, and to relax. “Fall out!” “Get outside, maggots!” The reprieve didn’t last long. The Smokey Bear hats were back. We snatched up our new luggage and ran for our lives.

It was early in the morning, just before sunrise. We had been “processing” all night. (Processing is the military term for taking stupid civilians, running them around like crazy, cutting their hair, filling out paperwork, and dressing them up to look like little kids playing GI Joe.) We ran onto another parking lot with yellow footprints. We knew the drill by now, but just in case we didn’t, the Smokey Bear hats weren’t going to let us forget. “Fall in on the footprints, maggots!” “Eyes front! Stand at attention!” “All right ladies, pick up your gear!” Sounds coming out of the darkness and screaming voices were everywhere. “All right, maggots, double time, march!” “Keep it tight, keep it moving, scumbags!” We lurched into the darkness, laden with all our new worldly possessions. We stumbled and ran for our lives, engulfed with fear. The nightmare was just beginning.

We ran for miles. Falling, running, running, falling. We couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of us, so when one “boot” fell, he took several others down with him. “Get up you worms!” We ran for what seemed hours, weeks, months, a lifetime. In reality, it was probably several miles, but being surrounding by darkness, and consumed by fear, we had no concept of reality. We were just trying to follow the green shadow in front of us, and trying to stay away from the verbal attack of the Smokey Bear hat. I don’t know how we made it, but finally we arrived at our new home - a brand-new brick building with air conditioning in 3rd battalion. (Just a short aside - the air conditioning was never turned on.) We moved into the second floor suite. “Pick a bunk and stow your gear ladies!” “Fall in outside, on the double!” Moving day sure didn’t last long.

Once outside, we tramped across the parade deck to the mess hall. We hadn’t eaten since early yesterday, before we arrived. I hadn’t even thought about food. I thought to myself, “My first breakfast in boot camp, what a treat.” We lined up at the door to the mess hall (I didn’t know how often this approach to doing things would be repeated in the military until much later on). I had heard stories about military food, much maligned like airplane and hospital food, but, it smelled great. I picked up a metal tray with compartments for various delicacies, and I made my way through the breakfast buffet. I was impressed. After making my last selection, I followed the line to find a seat. We made our way through the tables, and I kept waiting for the line to stop. What? We were heading towards the exit past the garbage cans and the tray drop off up area. The “boots” in front of me were hastily shoving food in their mouths before they were required to toss the remainder of the food into the garbage. Metal trays were placed on the return shelf, and out the back door we went. “Move it, move it, move it!” “Fall in outside, maggots!” So much for our first breakfast in boot camp.

“Fall in!” “Get in line, ladies!” “Move it, move it, move it!” “Come on you maggots, get with the program!” We were “processed” all that day. We marched from building to building. Every where we went, we marched. If we weren’t marching, we were running. All I wanted to do was stay alive and stay out of the eyesight of the Smokey Bear hats. The Smokey Bear hats had there own special way of displaying their displeasure when one of the boots “screwed up,” didn’t move fast enough, turned the wrong way, or just happened to be in front of the Smokey Bear hat. I had never heard so much screaming, seen so many pushups or known in how many ways and with such expletives that someone could explain their distaste, dislike or total disregard for someone else, their immediate family or where they were from.

That day, we enjoyed lunch and dinner much the same way we enjoyed breakfast. But, we did become more proficient at eating while walking to the exit and while cleaning off our trays. At least we were learning how to play the game.

At the end of the day, the Smokey Bear hats gave us time to unpack all of our gear. We each had a footlocker at the end of our bunks. But, with each new phase in our training, there were new rules. There was specific placement of our possessions in the footlocker. There were specific ways to fold our uniforms and to make our bed. But, it was late and who could expect a lot from maggots on their first day.

What? What the hell is going on? Trash cans flying and bunks being tossed over. Smokey Bear hats screaming. “Get up and get on line you maggots!” “Stand at attention, you scumbags!” “I want you on line, now!” Bunks were lying on their sides. Trash was strewn everywhere. I was standing in line of 44 guys, and there were 44 guys standing at attention across from us. We were all dressed the same - white underwear. What was I doing standing at attention in my underwear? At 5:00 AM! In the morning! I didn’t remember falling asleep the night before. Then it came to me. I was asleep and having a nightmare. I would wake up soon and be at home in bed. I wasn’t really in boot camp. I couldn’t be at Parris Island. No, it had to be a nightmare. Yes, that was it. It was just a dream.

“All right ladies, get down and give me twenty pushups!”

THE MARINE CORPS-A PREP SCHOOL LIKE NO OTHER

submitted by: Chuck Thomas WI 1956
Sergeant USMC 1956-1958

After barely squeaking through high school and thinking I would probably fail if I went to college, I found myself in Marine Corps Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC. The first day--the early June temperature sizzling and heavy humidity waves visible in the distance--our platoon members picked up our uniforms and other GI gear and were herded to our new home away from home-5 metal Quonset huts amid a military ghetto of skin-head recruits, echoing drill cadences, and insane Drill Instructors.

At our first formation, one-and only one--Marine recruit fell out wearing his helmet-liner strap down under his chin. Inspecting our platoon with hawk-like intensity, the top DI became unhinged: “DID I TELL YOU TO PUT THIS LEATHER STRAP UNDER YOUR CHIN???” And then finding the recruit’s girlfriend’s earrings in the pocket of the recruit’s khaki shirt pocket, the berserk Drill Instructor made him wear his girlfriend’s baroque earrings on his ears. Still screaming at the grunt, the Drill Instructor pressed the helmet-liner back against the recruit’s neck until something broke. Luckily for the new recruit, it was the strap of the helmet-liner-and not his neck!!!

At 05:30 hours the next morning, the humid Parris Island morning engulfed my other 15 Marine Corps boot camp grunts and me. It was pitch-black as I heard the Drill Instructor walk up to the door of the Quonset hut, pull the screen door open to enter, and flick on the light switch. Automatically, like frantic white mice in a psychology laboratory, everyone of us jumped to the floor and stood at attention holding two sheets and a pillowcase--everyone but Private Philadelphia, who stayed in bed asleep.

The DI’s sadistic nature surfaced. Walking over to the recruit’s top steel rack, the Marine sergeant gently nudged Pvt. Philadelphia, asking: “What’s wrong? Are you still sleepy?” When the private drowsily murmured, “Un-huh,” the hostile Drill Instructor dumped over the steel rack, spilling the confused recruit onto the cement deck.

A few days later at inspection, that same crazed DI accused me of not having shaved that morning. I responded loudly, “YES, SIR, I SHAVED!!!”

“Then, you’re calling me a liar!”

“NO, SIR!!!” But I’ll omit that familiar boot camp scenario and just fast-forward. Two of us had to report to the DI’s hut with our razors-no shaving cream-just our razors. And the DI gave us these orders: “Okay, maggots, stand in place and start shaving!” (To repeat-with no hot water and no shaving cream!) “Now, DOUBLE-TIME in place while you shave!” We began to knick our faces. And then, the DI yelled, “Now, face each other, and you shave him while he shaves you and KEEP DOUBLE-TIMING!!!”

We were cutting each other’s faces. I could clearly see the other recruit’s face bleeding and feel my own cuts. When we finished, the DI told us to cup our hands while he poured a huge bottle of shaving lotion into our hands and ordered us to put the burning lotion on our faces. “S-s-s-s-s-s-s!!!” I could feel the pain and seemingly hear our faces singeing. I had scabs all over my face for about a week.

During the rest of boot camp, I got punched in the stomach by a DI, choked, thrown against a bulkhead (wall), duck-walked in the same swamp where Sergeant McKeon had drowned six Marine recruits a few months before, and saw Pvt. Earrings-and-Helmet get thrown through the screen door of the DI’s hut because he forgot to pound on the door and request permission to enter.

It went on . . . and on . . . and on!!! But I survived Parris Island Boot Camp, earned two meritorious promotions, and made Marine Corps buck sergeant (E-4) in less than two years. I did very well, and my CO wrote a nomination letter for me to go to King’s Point, the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York. But I didn’t go. I wanted to go to college with good looking women-not more ugly guys in uniforms. However, like most former United States Marines, I would do it again.

Semper Fi!

THE DEBT
submitted by: Nancy Starett (WI 1953)

Lord, make me a blessing to some veteran today;
To the disabled ones who hurt in some way.
Help me, be willing; to do all I can,
To make a day brighter for both woman and man.
Help me show tenderness, kindness and grace.
Help me give pride to each weary face.
May I lighten their burden and show that I care;
Let them know that I love them by the smile that I wear.

For each one who can't see From the loss of their sight
Let my touch be the key and my words be the light.
These who gave, willingly, so I could stay free,
Deserve my devotion, love and loyalty.
Lest I forget, their sacrifice to this nation
Remind me, dear Lord, of my obligation!!

THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

GOD BLESS AND KEEP THEM.
"HERE RESTS
IN HONORED GLORY
AN AMERICAN SOLDIER
KNOWN BUT TO GOD"

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

      21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

      21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1

3. Why are his gloves wet?

      His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not?

      He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed?

     Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

     For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

      The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There ar! e meta l heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

submitted by: Marsha Golden Caplinger (WI 1965)

I am sending this on behalf of my brother. Thanks for your work on this. Much appreciated. Marsha Golden Caplinger. I graduated from WI in 1965.

Eddie N. Golden - Graduated from WI in 1966

U.S. Army
July 1968 - Fort Knox, Kentucky (Basic Training)
Oct. 1968 - Ft. Lee, Virginia (Supply and Small Arms)
Dec. 1968 - Ft. Dix, New Jersey
Dec. 13, 1968 - Dec. 1969 Based in Quinion, Vietnam (Military Police)
Dec. 1969 - July 1971 Ft. Sill, Oklahoma (214th Artillery G.P.)

submitted by: Randy Coyner (WI 1960)

My brother, Bill Coyner, class of' 54, and I served during the Vietnam era. We were in Vietnam in 1968 and were able to spend Thanksgiving together that year. Bill was a Major at that time and I was a new Captain. We received our commissions through the WVU ROTC program. I fulfilled my obligation after 5 great years in the Air Force. Bill retired with the rank of LtCol. after 20 years in the Army Reserves.

Bill lives in Richmond, Va. with his wife, Jane. He has two daughters and five grandchildren. He just retired from the Va. Dept of Motor Vehicles.

I live about 45 min due east of San Francisco in a quaint little town called Danville. I am a Real Estate Broker in this area and enjoy all that Calif has to offer. Sailing on the Bay and Skiing in Tahoe. I am going to Tahoe this weekend.

Bill and I went to Linden Grade School. We lived on Charleston Ave. across from Jackson Park. Lived at the park during the Summer. Remember the out door movies and the dandelions and fireflies? Life was certainly simple and safe in those days compared to now as I listen to the news reports on the terrorists attacks on London.

Would we let our children walk to Linden today with all the evil that seems pervasive? I feel Satan is in his last days and Christ is near. I feel events are out of mans control and prayer is our armor. We are in a spiritual battle. Fortunately, I know that this evil will be defeated and this gives me hope. Nancy, all the news of the day would leave me hopeless if I did not know Jesus Christ.

Well, I certainly didn't intend to go in this direction but I see a connection in your efforts to recognize those men & women that have fought and are fighting evil today with the terrorists events of today. Evil must be fought with force and the force of prayer.

God Bless you and your work.

submitted by: Roger Duncan (WI 1965)

I graduated with the class of 65.There were a lot of guys from that class that ended up in the military because of the Viet-Nam war. I joined the Air Force along with 3 other classmates in the fall of 65. Those classmates were,Ralph Sturms, Gary King,and Charles Washington. I recently moved to “The Villages" in Florida, after 32 years with Lockheed Martin in Clarksburg,WV.

submitted by: Danny Granville Stalnaker (WI 1961)

I graduated from WI in 1961 and retired after 20 years of service in the US Air Force.

submitted by: Sharon Bee Armstrong (VHS 1959)

I don't know that much about my Dad's service, only that at some point he was a private 1st class, I believe, in the US Army, and he was also in the National Guard. I don't know his dates of service, only that he was in WW II, and was discharged sometime before 1945.

A cute story his brother, my uncle Kenny Bee, told me is that he was also in the army and went AWOL one weekend to see Dad (Robert L. Bee) because they were both being shipped out, my Dad to Korea, and Uncle Kenny to Germany. Dad was in Oklahoma and Kenny was in Texas. It was a very cute story, and of course Kenny got caught, but didn't care, so his superiors basically turned a blind eye to the escapade and let him go without so much as a lecture.

I have some beautiful pictures of Mom, Dad, one of my sisters and me, with Dad in his uniform. I also have beautiful pictures of him taken with some little Korean kids. When Dad died in 1997 at the age of 81, one of my cousins, Michael David Greer, who was in the National Guard in Clarksburg at the time, and my son, Bill, performed the flag folding ceremony at Dad's burial. Michael David's unit was the honor guard. I gave the flag to my son, who is at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC, who flew the flag in a ceremony in Dad's honor, and his entire unit was present for the ceremony. He sent me a very moving email describing the ceremony. Dad was very proud of Bill and is the only grandchild to have gone into the service. Bill is currently commander of the 2nd Battalion, 311 Regiment at Ft. Bragg. I know Dad would have been very proud of his legacy.

submitted by: Mimi Lee Fanning

My brother, Thomas Elkins Lee III graduated in class of 1958 and served in the ARMY

My brother, John Edward Lee graduated in 1965 and served in the ARMY

My father, Thomas Elkins Lee, Jr graduated around 1923 and served in WWII in Germany in 1943. I was born on Nov 5th, 1943 and my father volunteered leaving my mother and 4 children at home. I think that he was 39 years old.

Maybe my siblings will give you our Father's info.

submitted by: Vicki Limbers Moore (WI 1967)
and Steve Limbers (WI 1957)

Our father, Hal W. Limbers, Jr., who is now 89 years of age served during WWII in Pattons 3rd Army as Corporal and machine gunner in the 159th infantry with the 65th division. Hal, AKA '"Slug", still lives happily in Clarksburg, WV. (:>)

submitted by: Chuck Spann (WI 1963)

Here's military information for my brother and myself:

Richard M Spann WI ('62) Army 1970 -1974
Charles W Spann WI ('63) Army 1969 -1970

Richard M Spann (WI '62) was a Captain in the Army. Charles W Spann (WI '63) was an Army Specialist 4th Class. Both of us served during but not in Vietnam. Rick was able to use his degree in chemistry (WVU) to help the Army dispose of hazardous chemicals. The Army in its infinite wisdom (...) decided my bachelor's in physics and year of graduate study in nuclear physics qualified me to be in the Military Police. Although 70% of my military police class went straight to Vietnam, I was assigned to defend West Point.

submitted by: Nancy Andre Hatton

I graduated from WI in 1952, and was a military wife for 24 years, married to Oakah L Jones, USAF, who was a graduate of the Naval Academy. He was a tenure professor of History at the USAFA, and during his Vietnam tour wrote the history of the Vietnamese Air Force.

Also, my uncle Rene Andre, who taught at WI, served in the Army Intelligence Service during WW II. After the war ended he was kept in Europe, because of his fluency in French, to help locate & thank the Belgian civilians who risked their lives to take our downed pilots through enemy lines to rejoin their American units.

submitted by: Bill Brassine

My name is Bill Brassine, I am a 1954 graduate of Washington Irving, and I served in the Army Medical Crop 1967-1969

submitted by: John Chutty Goots (WI 1950)

John (Chutty) Goots - served in the U.S. Air Force Mar. 1952-1956 WI Class graduate of 1950. John married Jerry Shaffer - WI graduate class of 1952. They began their marriage in the U.S. Air Force. Born to the two was a son John Douglas, born on their 1st Anniversary. Two years later, a daughter Pamela Ann was also born on their (3rd) Anniversary. Retiring from the Air Force, the couple returned to Pittsburgh, Pa. John sought his future life long work in the Nuclear Industry, were he spent the next 35 years traveling the globe to the numerous sites.

John and Jerry finally settled in California in 1962, first in LIvermore, Ca. at Lawrence Radiation Labratories for 22 years. Later on the couple had two more daughter's, Christi & Leslie, bringing their family to a total of four. In 1982 John joined the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station where he remained until 1993 when he had a massive stroke. The children all married and raising their own families, John and Jerry, now retired live in San Diego, Ca. Eleven years have gone by since his stroke, yet he can still communicate with his family, the children and grandchildren visiting often.

submitted by: Bud Wheelock (WI 1960)

I served with the Air Force (Strategic Air Command) working in war plans from 1966 to 1970. After an 11 year break in service (a big mistake) I joined the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh ending up as a Master Sergeant and in charge of the Education and Training section when I retired in 2002. My best experience in my military career was working with the National Defense University from 1989 to 2000. In 1989, I was stationed at Norfolk Navy base when the Soviet fleet made its first ever visit to this country. I had the opportunity to visit their ships and spend enough time with their personnel that we discovered that we were not different at all except for politics. It was a unique experience I will always treasure. Now starting my 35th year in education, my military experience has been invaluable to me in the classroom.

submitted by: John Madia (WI 1960)

John Madia class of 60 went to West Point and then into the USAF for 26 years. He spent approx. 4 1/2 years in Viet Nam. Was/is a pilot. Retired a Full Colonel. It was a great life. I love it.

submitted by: Dick Fitch (WI 1956)

In response to your question of who from WI served in the military, I, along with Charles (Eddie) Primm served in the U. S. Marine Reserves while seniors at WI (1955-56).

We then joined the U.S. Air Force and served from June, 1956, to June 1960.

I was at Williams Air Force Base (Chandler, AZ), 1956-57; then Tokyo, Japan serving at the Pacific Stars and Stripes Newspaper, 1957-1959; and finally I served at James Connally Air Force Base (Waco, Texas) from 1959 to 1960.

I did, of course, take basic training in San Antonio, TX at Lackland Air Force Base.

submitted by: Samuel B. Urso, Jr. (WI 1957)

I graduated from WI in 1957 and WV University in 1961. I got my Masters a few years latter. I was a Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. As an officer, I was the Launcher Platoon Leader at a Hercules Missile site in South Korea. I served 2 years of active duty and 6 years in the Reserve.

submitted by: Harold Scadden (WI 1980)

I am one.

I attended WI from 1976-1980 and I served six years active duty in the US Navy, Submarine Force and two years in the US Naval Reserves following my first tour.

My father, who did not attended WI, served in the 84th Inf, US Army during WWII. His name was Raymond Scadden.

If you require anything else, please write.

submitted by: Charles Burkhammer (WI 1959)

I served in the US Army from August 1966 to August 1968. I was stationed the entire period at the Army Aviation Center at Ft. Rucker, AL. About 18 of us were drafted together in Clarksburg and received our basic training together. Others in that group included Mike Moore, Irvin Miller, and Dick Lejeune. I spent my time after basic in the personnel shop, processing guys returning from Vietnam, who then helped train future helicopter pilots and mechanics. My first daughter was born in the Army hospital at Ft. Rucker, three months before discharge. The most excitement I had was receiving riot training when Martin Luther King was killed. Thank God it was not needed.

submitted by: Glen Cowgill (WI 1959)

Entered the USAF in July 1959. Completed basic training and then went to Aerial Photo Intelligence School which I did for 4 years serving at Homestead AFB, Fl. and then K.I. Sawyer AFB, Mich and then to Yokota, AFB, Japan. When I returned to the states I went to Air Traffic Control School at Keesler AFB, Miss. From Keesler I went to Dover AFB, Del and then off to Thailand where I trained Thai and Laotian Air Traffic Controllers. While there I received my first of three Distinguished Service Metals.

Upon return to the U.S., I was again stationed at Homestead AFB, Fl. and then back to Thailand with Headquarters 7/13 AF. I worked for General Petit and served with the IG team and was a troubleshooter traveling to Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia and received my second Distinguished Service Metal. I was then transferred to Utapao AFB in Thailand as Chief Controller for the Contol Tower where I received my third Distinguished Service Metal. Returning to Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina, I served as Chief Controller of the Radar Approach Control and then as Training and Standarization for the Air Force Air Traffic Control Officer Training Program. In 1976 I returned to Homestead AFB as Detachment Commander for the 2016th Air Traffic Control Detachment and then to the 1942nd Comm Squadron as First Sergeant. I retired in August 1979 with 20 years as an E-7, turning down E-8 to retire.

submitted by: Bob Davis (WI 1959)

I joined the U. S. Navy on July 29, 1959 and was sent to Great Lakes, IL for training. We did luck out and went to the Pan American Games near Chicago and worked some at the Rifle Range. After boot camp, I stayed at Great Lakes for school as an Electrician's Mate. Again luck as I was able to work in the office and did not have duties after school and graduated as the "Honor Graduate".

I was assigned to the USS Corry DDR 817--a destroyer built in 1944 and was specialized in radar. I went to the Mediterranean in 1960 and was able to see one day of the Olympics in Rome--the day Wilma Rudolph won her race. Also saw great scenery, buildings, etc. in Florence, Rome, Naples, Monaco and Athens. There was a fashion show on the fantail of our ship and both models wore bikinis--the first I had ever seen.

On April 15, 1961, I came back to WV and married Janet White (class of '60 WI). I then went to Guantanamo Bay in the summer of 1961 and had shore patrol in a very nice house on a hill at Kingston, Jamaica (a house of ill repute). A month later, a hurricane came though and struck Belize, British Honduras (country now is Belize). Our ship had a low draft, didn't require deep water, so we went to help along with a British destroyer. I helped work on the generating plant which had been under water--about 3 miles inland. Others on our ship helped carry and bury bodies, and other duties.

Upon return to the states, I was assigned to the USS Sierra AD-18, a destroyer tender. It was in port most of the time, so Janet came to Norfolk for the last 9 months of my Naval career. I was a second class Electrician's Mate Petty Officer when I left the Navy in September 1962--I was a kiddie cruiser and got out before my 21st birthday. A lot more stories, as every service person has, can be told. It is a part of my life which makes me proud. I had seen Tom Brown, Mickey McGowan, and Eddie Kerns from our class while in the Navy.

submitted by: Gene Davis (WI 1959)

From 1965 thru 1971 I was in the United States Army Reserve...On active duty I was at Fort Campbell, KY. and Fort Huachuca, AZ. I served as Battalion Signal Officer for a Service and Supply Battalion in Wausau, WI. My last rank was 1st Lt.

submitted by: Vince Fragomene (WI 1959)

I literally joined the Navy to see the World in 1964! If I would have paid more attention to the headlines then, I would have known about a place called VIETNAM! I might have been influenced to go another direction with my life, but being a naive "country boy from West Virginia" and wanting to serve, off I went to Pensacola Florida!!

I got my Naval Commission and was sent directly to the Carrier USS Ticonderoga to become the Intelligence Officer for a Navy Attack Squadron operating in the Gulf Of Tonkin. For the next 8 years, except for 20 months in Washington DC, I was in and out of the Far East from California on 6 different Navy Carriers involved in the Vietnam War. In 1968 on the way to Southeast Asia, I was on the USS Enterprise in Japan when the USS Pueblo was captured by the North Koreans. (I have the reputation in the Naval Intelligence Community of having been in the right place or the wrong place during my career depending on how it would affect your promotion - mostly the right place, unfortunately!)

Off to Spain in 1972 with my young family to start seeing the world, little did I know that the 1973 Middle East War was around the corner!! Again, right place or wrong place? After Spain, I spent 3 years in the Pentagon learning how our government really works!!

By 1979, I was promoted to Commander (that's Lieutenant Colonel for you Army and Air Force guys) and off to see the world again aboard the USS Midway home ported in Japan!! Amazingly, the Carrier task group was in the Indian Ocean when our Embassy in Tehran was overrun by the Iranians and the whole of Southwest Asia erupted! Right place again!

Two years on the Midway was followed by 4 years in Hawaii which we enjoyed! In 1985, after being promoted to Captain, we went back to Japan for 3 years. All I can say about these tours of duty would be to read the book, "Blind Man's Bluff"..Some of the most courageous Americans I have ever known rode on US Submarines.

In 1988 I went to Norfolk as the Fleet Intelligence Officer for the Atlantic Fleet and then as the Commanding Officer of the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center. Two great jobs. Then in 1992 it was on to Stuttgart Germany for my last assignment as Deputy Chief Of Staff for Intelligence for the US European Command. I had become a little more observant and knew there was a major issue brewing over Bosnia before I left, but little did I know how it would affect my last three years in the NAVY. Not only did I go to places like Moscow, Zagreb, Geneva, Paris, London, many places all over Germany and Italy, I looked into Northern Iraq from Turkey! I finally got to see some of that world I had signed on to see 30 years before!!

I retired in June of 1995. My family and I spent more than 18 years of those 30 years outside the continental US. My children went to a dozen different schools, both became Naval Officers and are now in very satisfying civilian careers. The elegant lady I married in 1966 is still following me around and for that I am uniquely lucky and grateful..

Do it again, sure!, Do it differently, you bet!!

submitted by: R K Hanifan (WI 1959)

I was in the Army. I went to the Benning School for Boys (Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning, GA.) and received my commission as a 2nd Lt. Infantry, Oct 68. In '69 I took advantage on my next assignment. I told them thanks but no thanks. I got out of Nam alive once. I wasn't about to try my luck a second time.

submitted by: Jim Hornor (WI 1959)

I enlisted in January of 1964 in the army and went through basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Later that same year I was accepted to Officers Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. I was commissioned a second lieutenant in June of 1965. Active duty was completed in January 1966 and I retired my commission in 1969 as a first lieutenant.

submitted by: John Iaconis (WI 1959)

Military - Graduated from USNA as an unrestricted line [combat] officer. Tours of duty included shipboard deployments to Mediterranean and southeast Asian on mostly destroyers. Duties included being chief engineer and officer-of-the-deck for fleet operations.

submitted by: Jim Martin (WI 1959)

Served US Army 3 years 1961 - 1964
Tour of duty France

submitted by: Mike Moore (WI 1959)

Served from August, 1966 to August, 1968 in the US Army. I was connected with an aviation company at Ft. Rucker, AL where I took basic training and was stationed there the entire two years of my military service. My job was flight operations. I assisted in the training of helicopter pilots for Vietnam. Charles Burkhammer and I left Clarksburg together, served together and were released together at Ft. Rucker.

submitted by: Ronnie Werner (WI 1959)

I was in the military from 1960-1964. I was in the United States Air Force in Biloxi, Mississippi at Keesler Air Force Base. Two of my three children were born there. Lorie Ann and Greg. Kelly was born in Clarksburg.

submitted by: Ed White (WI 1959)

I served in the US Navy, from 1963-1965, on the USS Northampton (CC 1), a command ship (cruiser) out of Norfolk VA.

submitted by: Jim Ashley (WI 1962)

You have tapped some very special memories for me with your request for Veterans' Day thoughts. Although my own military service consisted only of a 6 year enlistment in the Army Reserves, I went through basic training and advanced training with guys who were on their way to Vietnam and I have always had a great deal of respect for the people who went away to serve. I have made repeated checks of the Vietnam Wall Registry to ensure that all the people that I went through training with survived and I'm happy to say that all their names are absent from that list.

If I could take up a few more lines, I'd like to recognize two heroes in my life, my uncles Lacoe Alltop and Lee Alltop (Purple Heart recipient) who were WW II combat veterans. My mother's stories of their contributions always made them stand tall in my view and their own personal achievements of using the GI Bill to rise from poverty in Gilmer County, WV, to the world of professional success made them even more heroic to me. Recognition is also due to my late father-in-law, Charles Bachini, who was a D-Day infantryman and who spent 9 months as a prisoner or war.

Finally, some of my greatest WI memories are of the fun of the Armistice Day parades with all the veterans (we had WW I vets in their "40 and 8" floats....remember what the 40/8 stood for??) along with all the still young men from WW II and Korea marching proudly down the street. After the parade, my dad would always take me for hot dogs at a place on Milford St (Rita's ??) on our way to Hite Field to watch the WI - Victory game. It was always a very special day.

submitted by: Brooke Beall (ND 1958)

Served in the West Virginia Air National Guard from May 1963 to May 1969.

submitted by: Jim Hovey (WI 1962)

Went to Pot State but was thrown out (I kept flunking ROTC - mandatory for guys at that time). Mom heard I was going to get drafted into the Army so I joined the Navy - Vietnam was starting and I didn't want to have to run around jungles.

I became a Hospital Corpsman and was promptly "drafted " into the Marines who did not have their own medical personnel. After Field Medic School in Camp Lejuene, N.C., I shipped to Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division. I was shipped around various places including Chu Lai, Tam Ky, Ky Ha, Quang Nai City, Duc Pho and Da Nang as a Corpsman (HM3) with (mostly) the 7th Marines - 2/7 and 3/7.

I spent 1967 - the "year of love" in Vietnam and when I returned, finished my four years at Bethesda Naval Medical Center as an Emergency Room Corpsman. By this time I knew more about trauma medicine than most Doctors. While there I saw several Marines I had treated in the field arrive back in the States.

After my release from the service I bummed around several colleges - finally graduating from Salem in 1974. I took graduate courses here and there and am now a Principal Project Controls Engineer with the Parsons Transportation Group.

I have been married 30 years and have three children - the youngest a Sophmore in high school here in Columbia, Maryland.

submitted by: Don Sager (WI 1956)

I served four years 1956-60 as an Electronics Technician and came out of service as an ET2 (Petty Officer 2nd class).

While my service years were known as "peacetime"--the period between the Korean War and Vietnam Conflict-- I was involved somewhat in the "first" Lebanon crisis in 1958. At that time I was stationed in Morocco at a Communications base. We were responsible for the Sixth Fleet communications link between the Fleet and the mainland U.S. We were on full-alert for 6 months and our time off the base was restricted. We had local natives working for us in the antenna fields and we had to cancel their entrance to the base during this time for fear of sabotage from the Muslim world. Luckily I was "high enough up" rank-wise and did not have to climb the poles.

After 18 months in Morocco (where I met my wife of 40 years), I was aboard the USS Fremont (APA-44). This was a troop carrier and we spent a great deal of time in the Caribbean practicing war games and Marine assaults on Viegas. This should sound familiar since this is where all the present day protests are taking place in Puerto Rico. We were there over 40 years ago firing shells on the island and landing Marines and it is still going on.

Would I enlist again, under the same circumstances--yes. Enjoyed the Navy and all the world I got to see and especially the camaraderie. But four years of my life was enough, so out and on to WVU.

submitted by: Warren Whaley (WI 1958)

I went in the Army immediately following high school. I want to take this opportunity to give recognition to all my friends who were killed or injured in action. There are a few of us that remember them and appreciate the sacrifices they made.

submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS 1956)

Roleta asked me to write to you about being in the military, but since I was in the USMC Reserves for eleven years, and was never called for active duty, I told her I didn’t think I qualified. She wrote to me giving me with her opinion and I changed my mind. Those of us in the reserve also served. We constantly trained and expected to be called up at any time and never knew when it might be. That’s especially hard when you have a wife and baby. That’s why attacking Bush as a draft dodger is a bunch of BS. How can you be a draft dodger when you volunteered to be on stand-by 24/7? Here are some pix for you in case you can use them. Please let me know if you get them and can open them. Thanks!!!

submitted by: Gladys Williams (WI 1971)

Our father - Luther Williams - served in the US Army from 1942 - 1945. He was stationed in India during WWII. Rank - Staff Sergeant.

Children:
Marty Williams WI - 1967
Anna Walsh WI - 1971
Gladys Williams WI - 1971

submitted by: Jane Stout Galvan (WI 1959)

My husband Ed Galvan served in Vietnam from January 1968 to late February 1969. He was in the 1st Air Calvary Division, United States Army as a Medic. He achieved the rank of Spec. 5 and was awarded a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal. He served in the Central Highlands, Hue, the DMZ, Khe Sanh and along the Cambodian border, northeast of Saigon.

We have a trip planned to go there in Nov. 2006. Ed wants to go back to see it now, as he remembers how beautiful it was then. We will go to Vietnam and Cambodia to see the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. This trip will mean a lot to him.

submitted by: Catherine Custer Burke (WI 1952)

William Jay Carder, WI '52, U.S. Army 1954-1956, served in Austria and Germany.

If I get his rank, I will send it to you. He is my brother-in-law.

submitted by: Mary Smouse Griffin (WI 1949)

My husband, Robert Griffin, served from 1951 to 1955 in the Air Force (Airman 1st Class) during the Korean War and was stationed for a time in Korea. He received the Korean War Service Medal, awarded by the Korean Government on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War.

submitted by: Roxie Heater Tibbs (WI 1935)
Terry Tibbs Davenport (WI 1960)
Carole Tibbs Arnett (WI 1964)

Staff Sergt John Trevy Tibbs served during WWII as instructor in chemical warfare in the Army Engineers at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, Camp Maxey, Texas, Camp Carson, Colorado and then was transferred to Camp Beale, California. John Trevy Tibbs was in the 237th Engineer Combat Battalion and served in the Pacific and European Theators. John Trevy Tibbs is the father of Terry Tibbs Davenport and Carole Tibbs Arnett.

submitted by: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)

These are my brothers: Charles Thomas Clark (WI 1939) Joined the Marine Corps probably in 1942. Achieved the rank of staff sergeant. He served on Guam and the Marinas Islands. I don't know the division or details, but I can get them from him. He's still alive and loves to talk about the Marines.

Keith U. Clark (WI 1941) Also joined the Marines. After basic training was sent to places unknown in the South Pacific. My brother, Tom, might know this also. I do know that he landed on Iwo Jima on the first day of the invasion (Feb. 19, 1945) and was in almost constant combat until the island was secured. He was with the 5th Marine Division, HQ Company, 2nd battalion, 26th Marines. The 26th Marines took some of the heaviest casualties in the battle of Iwo. Keith, by some miracle, was unscratched physically but the emotional pain of the battle was with him until the day he died.

For more about the VietNam wall go to:
http://www.thewall-usa.com/information/index1.htm

WOULDN'T IT?
by CeCe Upson Covera

Wouldn't it be wonderful
if we could go back somewhere in time
And, undo the things that hurt us
without any reason or rhyme?

Erase all wars throughout history..
bring loved ones back from the dead.
Replace all the ugliness we have seen,
leaving plenty of happy times instead.

To meet up with all your buddies
where you last saw them on that trail...
Tell them about the ambush ahead;
warn them the mission was about to fail.

To be able to bring back the sparkle
to the eyes of a proud mom and dad
Who now have only their memories
of all of the good times they had.

To reunite a young husband and wife,
who will now be together for many years
Instead of offering your condolences,
helpless to take away her tears.

To allow a proud father to be there
to pick his child up from a fall..
Instead of that child knowing only
daddy's the picture that hangs on the wall.

Wouldn't it be wonderful
if we could go back to any year
And undo the things that hurt us,
leaving smiles to replace all the tears?

Copyright © 1999 by Cecilia Upson Covera, All Rights Reserved --Permission given for printing in this Veteran's Day Salute.

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