Veterans Day
Veterans Day is just around the corner on November 11, 2024. While it’s a special day to honor and thank our veterans for their service to our country, our gratitude extends far beyond that single day. Even though we may not always express it as well as we should, the appreciation in our hearts is constant. Here’s a shoutout to one of my favorite veterans!
My dad served in the Army Air Force during the 1940s. At the time, he and my mother were already married, and she worked on the base as a civilian. Throughout his service, he was stationed at various locations across the U.S. I remember them mentioning time spent in Nebraska and Biloxi. He was fortunate never to be deployed overseas, and from what I understand, his eyesight played a role in keeping him stateside.
His main responsibility during his service was inspecting bombers as they returned from missions, ensuring they were safe and ready for the next flight. Although he never flew one, he did taxi them around the base as part of his inspections. Mother also had duties related to the planes, as women during that time took on a wide range of tasks traditionally handled by men.
They stayed in touch with some of their military friends and off base neighbors for many years, but I’m sad to say that I never knew the names or anything. I remember they talked about how in Nebraska, an older couple had befriended them and rented a room to them. They talked about those folks many times and had stories to tell.
Personal History
If you still have a parent in your life, take the opportunity to write down their stories or make notes. One of the most meaningful things I experienced was when the social worker at the nursing home compiled a personal history from my father before he passed. It wasn’t rushed—she collected bits and pieces on his better days. I was amazed by the things I discovered! Recently, I pulled out the booklet to see what he had shared about his time in the military, and it was incredible to have those memories preserved.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
“I wanted to be an airline pilot. There weren’t many planes around back then and when you would see one flying across the sky you would stare at it for as long as you could see it.”
War Service
“I served a little over three years, but was disqualified for overseas service, my eyes were the reason. I had a pretty good deal – got stationed at different bases. The Air Force was very interesting. Never did become a pilot but got a lot of experience around one – not training – but learned about what happened in the air. I had some officers – some were good – some were bad. My job was as an airplane mechanic. I was always in a group working on a makeshift hanger or a better type hanger. My work always pertained to the engine – never the little parts of the plane.”
Where were you stationed?
“I was stationed down at Biloxi and was there til…I don’t know. I was in San Diego and then Salina, Kansas, and then I wound up in a permanent party in Nebraska. It was a little ole town not as big as Ecru – Geneva, Nebraska, and York, Nebraska. I was there probably for about two years. This was all during WWII.
Regrets
If you’ve never been to Washington, DC, to visit the memorials, you absolutely should. It’s an experience everyone should have. I’ve only been once, but I deeply regret not arranging for my dad to go on one of those Honor Flights before it was too late.
The National World War II Memorial pays tribute to the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II, including the over 400,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Engraving around the base of a flagpole: AMERICANS CAME TO LIBERATE, NOT TO CONQUER, TO RESTORE FREEDOM AND TO END TYRANNY
The names of over 58,000 Americans who were killed or went missing during the Vietnam War are carved into this 246-foot-long memorial’s black granite walls.
Another Veteran
As I said above, Daddy was one of my favorite veterans. My most favorite would be my husband))
My husband joined the Army shortly after his 18th birthday rather than let the draft get him. He was stationed in Fort Campbell, Fort Knox, KY, and Fort Leonardwood, MO. He was shipped overseas to South Korea on a base near the DMZ.
Before he could complete his two-year stint, his 39-year-old dad died of a massive heart attack. The Red Cross was able to fly him back home several days after his dad’s death for the funeral. We will always be grateful to the Red Cross for that. He continued his service in the States after that.
Several months later he received a hardship discharge and returned home to help with his mother and two younger sisters. We were married later that year.
Fast forward to 54 years later…..and it has been fast! Our 54rd anniversary is in a couple of weeks. My goodness, that seems like a lifetime ago. But I can still remember his serial number))
Final Thoughts
If you have a loved one who qualifies for the Honor Flight, please think about it. The Honor Flight Network serves veterans who served from World War II to the Korean War and through to Vietnam. They also serve catastrophically ill and injured veterans from all service eras. Please visit the site to learn more about it.
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