With Memorial Day coming up fast for those of us in the US, I'd just like to open up a thread to remember those that served. Hail my grandfathers, James O. Salsman and Leon Turner. Both served in the United States Army during WWII. Both were heroes in my eyes.
My grandfathers both served as well, Robert Woollen and Leo Campion. Grandfather Leo is resting at Arlington Memorial Cemetery in Alexandria, while my other grandfather's ashes rest in our house. Grandfather Leo served in Jacksonville as an ATC during WWII if I remember correctly, and my other grandfather was a Marine that saw a tour in Rome before or during Korea (we're actually not sure on the details, sad to say). My Uncle also served in the Air Force during Vietnam, though I don't think he was ever deployed. Wish I could've appreciated my grandfathers as much then as I do now.
My Great Grandfather served in WWII (Army). My Grandfather served in the Korean War(Marines). My Mom, my Dad, and my Uncle served in Vietnam (all Navy). I served from 1991 till 1998 in between Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom (Air Force). I'm proud of my family and it's tradition of military service.
Sgt Jacob William Gilmer Grandfather (strongest man I've ever know, made his living building bridges) WWII Pvt Hershel Gilmer Great Uncle (most functional alcoholic I've ever seen) WWII Staff Sgt Billy Ray Stribling Father ( taught me right and wrong AND consequences of actions) Vietnam To all those who have served, are serving and passed, thank you just doesn't seem like enough.
My grandfather, James H Taylor, USN, Motor Machinist Mate 1st class WW2. also firefighter and EMT in the town I grew up in. When he passed away he had the longest in service and retiree time of anyone on the fire department. 30 years on, 30 years off.
My grandfather on my father's side was a B-17 mechanic in the pacific theatre; Australia and New Guinea. My grand father on my mother's side was an army sergeant in North Africa and Italy. I still have his M-1 Carbine.
Being the only person in my family to ever serve, I'd like to thank all of you who have served, or have family that have served. And for those of us currently serving (looking at your, Flessar ;p) thank you and I hope to see you one day down range.
