My Parents are Veterans...

Both my parents were in the Army when they met. I wrote about their 56 day whirlwind romance that has lasted for 48 years earlier this year. They actually celebrate 48 years this December 1st. I mention it again because of it being Veteran's Day today.

I have been very proud of my parents for being in the Army and for their achievments while enlisted and that they were both "Honorably Discharged". Daddy's tours took him from boot camp in El Paso, Texas to Hawaii, Korea, and then San Antonio, Texas. Momma completed boot camp at Fort McClelland, Alabama and was transfered to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

I can remember stories that my dad told of his service years. Three stick out in my memory. Daddy was detached to Hq 728th Military Police Battalion APO 301 (Korea) as a MP (Military Policeman). Once while he was leaning against the car he drove for the General he was shot at from the north side of the line of demarcation between North and South Korea. The General was in a very important meeting that was instrumental in calling for peace.

The next memory takes us to our house in Southern Nevada, when I was in the 5th or 6th grade. One of mother's brothers was visiting us from Texas. Because all the grown ups had serviced time in the Army, the two men starting sharing their service stories. My Uncle started off by telling of when he was stationed in Hawaii.

There was one particular night that he was out a little too late. He ran the gate and disappeared into the post on his motorcycle. At this point my Dad asked him where he hid. My Uncle proceeded to tell him that he had slide the motorcycle back underneath the grandstand bleachers and stayed there until the MP returned to his post at the front gate.

You can image everyone's surprise (especially the two men) when my dad exclaimed, "So, that's where you hid!" It turned out that my Dad was the MP that was looking for the guy on the motorcycle! They didn't know each other at the time and it was not until Daddy was transferred to San Antone that he met Momma.

The third memory is more of a picture in my mind of Daddy and three of his MP buddies. All four of them were 6' 6" tall and were quite a site when they wore their chrome domes (helmets) and stood guard for one important meeting or another!

Daddy reached the rank of SP4 (E-4) and received badges for Expert Rifle, Expert Pistol, the Marksman Badge (Rifle), Expert Badge (B. MG Cal. 30 & S. MG Cal. 45) and a Letter of Appreciation for his tour in Korea. He served for a total of 4 years, 2 months and 21 days.

Momma was only in the Army for 1 year, 2 months and 25 days, however she excelled during her enlistment. She reached the rank of Pfc(E-3) when she was Honorably Discharge for Sec III AR 615-361 SPN 221 Pregnancy (me!) Her specialty was Junior Draftsman and she worked in the burn unit as well. If she had not been pregnant she would have been sent off to officer's training.

I am proud not only of my parents, but the family members that served and are serving now, the veterans of all the wars and all the military personnel that are serving right now. We thank you for the sacrifices you have made and are making every day...May the war on terror end so that you can come home!

Posts by fellow bloggers on the same subject:
Question: Do you know the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day...
In England they commemorate Remembrance Day...

p.s. My Grandfather passed away on this day 16 years ago...

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