The bios of the veterans who took part in Honor Flights 60 and 61 this past Saturday, May 17, are listed below.
They were read off prior to their departure to Washington, D.C., to visit the various war monuments there.
FLIGHT 60
Michael “Mike” Ashline
US Air Force, 1972-1988, Vietnam Era
After signing up for the Air Force, Michael, together with his friend Tom, would arrive in San Antonio for basic training. Parting ways after basic, Michael would head to Lowry AFB to receive training as a Material Inventory Management Specialist. While completing his technical training, Michael would get married.
Newly married, his first assignment would send him for 4 years to North Truro AFB, which he describes as a small base in the middle of nowhere. From there he would spend his next 7 years at Loring AFB, with a new specialty assignment as Open Mess Management Supervisor. Michael would exit the military at the end of his time at Loring AFB. Deciding to re-enlist he would spend 5 cold years at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota.
Moving from the cold, Michael would head south, joining the Texas Air National Guard at Fort Bliss as a Security Specialist. Here, in his final 3 years he would get to set up foxholes, conduct Air Guard desert training, and taught Claymore mine classes.
Edmund “Ed” Baker
US Army, 1966-1968, Vietnam
Ed’s life would find direction from his guardian uncles after the passing of his parents at the age of six. Although his Dad served in the Navy, his uncles were Army men, serving in WWII and Korea. He would follow their path into the US Army.
Ed completed Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He achieved Expert with M-14 rifle and was Pugil stick champion of his company. In AIT, he competed in Boxing. With an 11Bravo MOS, Infantryman, he received his orders for combat operations in Vietnam with the 1st Division.
He remembers many close calls, but two stand out. The most vivid was an ambush. He was riding in the open rear of a deuce and a half truck. The driver was hit, and the truck stopped and began backing down a hill. Lying flat, face up, he saw tracers zip right by his nose and heard the clink of metal all around him. When the enemy stopped to reload, he jumped off the truck, returning fire. The men with him, new recruits, started firing back and the enemy disengaged.
Another time, when pulling point, Ed’s squad was radioed back to check their weapons. When he test fired his M16, it fired one round and jammed. The company that went out instead of his was hit hard and took many casualties.
During the Tet offensive of 1968 he remembers frequently sitting in bunkers listening to exploding mortars and rockets. With less than a month left in Vietnam, he wondered who among his fellow soldiers would make it home.
Ed finished his enlistment at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, NY. There he was met with anti-war demonstrations. On a visit to Plattsburgh, he was greeted with a slap in the face from a girl he knew. In contrast, his service was recognized when he was honored by the Massapequa VFW. They asked him to carry the colors in a 4th of July parade. This exemplified how divided Americans felt about the war in 1968.
Gerald “Jerry” Bates
US Army, 1954-1956, Cold War
Volunteering for the US Army, Gerald would report to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, followed by Fort Bliss for AIT. Preparing for a rigid inspection by the Top Sergeant, Gerald would find that he had run out of Army shorts. The PX didn’t have any, so he would resort to drawing on what he hoped would have the appearance of snaps, which of course didn’t work. He would be sent out for sign painting duty.
Expecting to be shipped overseas after training, the Army would instead send him to New Jersey to be part of the crew to close down the base. While there, they would be called to give blood to a crew hit by an artillery round.
Assigned to Frankfurt, Germany, Gerald’s crew would be the first common crew of enlisted to be airlifted to this destination. As part of the 4th infantry division, Gerald was assigned to drive recon by the Captain. Gerald would ask “What if I don’t want this assignment.” The Captain told him “they could find something else for him.” Gerald thought it was best to do as the Captain asked, knowing a new assignment would not be to his liking.
While on a joint military exercise in the mountains, his platoon sergeant witnessed aggressors looking to withdraw. His vehicle would not start. He had to stay alone until they could arrange to get him down the mountain. He had a machine gun, and they told him to fire off rounds if he had a problem. It would be an interesting journey being towed down the mountain, snapping the rope twice, running on narrow roads between 30 to 40 miles per hour.
While in East Germany, Gerald witnessed a tangible resentment by the East Germans and their struggle to be occupied by Russia.
Robert “Bob” Durkin
US Army, 1963-1970, Vietnam
At a young age, Bob knew he wanted to be in the Army. He began his military journey by completing a four-year degree at Penn Military College. After college, he attended basic officer training, Army Ranger, and Paratroop schools. Elite Ranger units often work with Elite Navy SEAL units. Within four months, the class started with 300 soldiers selected to try to become Rangers, but by then, only 150 remained in the program.
While with the 101st Airborne Division, Bob sometimes spent up to a month living deep in the jungle. The 101st ceased to be a paratroop division on Aug. 4, 1968. Bob is well known as the “Last Paratrooper in the 101st,” as he led the last air assault of the 101st Airborne, followed just days later on August 4th, leading a famous 1,000 man air assault as the newly designated 101st Air Mobile Division where the chopper he was riding in was shot down and crash-landed in the landing zone. He continued coordinating the fight through the jungle to what later became known as “Hamburger Hill.”
While in Vietnam during one battle, he would survive by playing dead among the dead soldiers all around him. Bob enjoyed being called “One-Zero” instead of “Sir” by his troops as a sign of respect. He always considered himself part of a great team, not just their commander. Each man was just as crucial to the team as he was.
During his military service, Bob served as battalion executive officer in Germany of the 509th Airborne, and was later selected to be the commander of the 7th Army Skydiving Parachute team. He also became the “Hero” of Camp Eagle when he headed off to the nearby Marine Base, where he procured a double outhouse for the Army troops under the noses of Marine Guards.
Bob’s service citations include: Ranger Tab, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with four battle stars, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, The Air Medal, The Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with w/Device, Vietnamese Army Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and can wear the Cross Of Gallantry issued to his unit.
Arthur Graves
US Army, 1962-1964, Vietnam
Arthur would complete four years of college at an all-men’s school in Buffalo, where he would drill as a core cadet. After college, he would report to the US Army at Fort Devins for his 7-week basic training, then on to Fort Gordon for 3 months of training as a signal officer.
After training, Arthur would move on to three major field exercises: Cooley Crist at Fort Lewis; Swifts strike; and Desert Strike. While at Desert Strike, the biggest and last of the field exercises for the Army, Arthur, at only 22 years old, would be met by a 4-star General arriving by small bubble helicopter. As a first-timer in the desert, Arthur found out quickly from a sergeant by a kick of an ant hill, that you should stay away from them if you wanted to plant a communications pole.
His platoon of messaging, cable, radio relay and carrier equipment would head out to travel in a large convoy across the United States. During this convoy, Arthur would receive a message offering him airborne training. This would return him to Georgia.
During his service, Arthur would receive assignments as company commander of the 966 Ordinance; he would perform reserve force training at Fort Drum with high-scoring outcomes from his units; he would serve as a liaison officer to West Point; and would be a proud member of the honor guard unit in front of the post commander recognizing President Kennedy after his assassination.
Arthur’s service years would shape the rest of his life. His duty to serve would provide him with knowledge, experience, responsibility, and the drive to do his best.
Dana Harnish
US, Army 1965-1985, Vietnam
Dana had been attending college as a pre-med student. Although his father had served in the military as a cook for a 2-star General, he had not given much consideration to the military until he was drafted into the Army.
Upon entry, he would head to Fort Gordon for both basic training and AIT in 11B10 infantry. At Fort Sill, he recalls being woken up at 5:30 to carry their footlockers on their shoulders around the track 10 times. Not all make it. He completed officer candidate school during his 7 months at Fort Sill.
Married just 6-weeks, Dana would begin a 1-year assignment to Korea. He would be on alert during the capture of the USS Pueblo. Leaving Korea, he would head to Fort Benning, assigned to the only field artillery in the Ranger department.
Sent to Vietnam in December 1969. Dana would remain there until April 1971. He would serve as commander of the 105th Artillery Battery, the top field officer of two field forces, and later extend his tour with the 155th Self-Propelled Battery at Katum Camp, just off the border of Cambodia.
Sent back to Fort Sill, he would escort guns from battery back from Vietnam. As part of the 9th Missile Battalion, Dana, as Battery Commander, would undertake the training of the nuclear-capable Pershing missile.
Over Dana’s 20 years in the Army, his best four years were spent in Alaska, where he was able to engage in his love of hunting and fishing.
Kevin Hoey
US Navy, 1969-1973, Vietnam
Assigned a low draft number, it was certain that the military would be in Kevin’s future. Not choosing to be drafted, Kevin and a couple of friends would enlist in the Navy. They would head to boot camp together, but would then be assigned to opposite coasts.
Kevin would complete his basic training at Great Lakes Naval Base, and from there it was on-the-job training, learning basic knot techniques, refueling, rearming, running stations, watch duty and some signaling. Out at sea, 20-to-30-foot swells would have some transferring out with deathly seasickness. Kevin would adapt quickly to life aboard ship.
His first assignment would place him on the USS Henry W Tucker destroyer. They would be very active, providing naval gunfire support up and down the coastal shores of Vietnam. Kevin’s last duty assignment would place him on the USS Worden, a carrier, with operations assigned off the coast of Japan.
During his enlistment, Kevin would be called home for the passing of his father. Watching the news, he would learn of an attack on his ship. The one casualty would be the soldier at his post. He would not share this information with his mother as she was already worried about his return to service.
In the naval tradition, Kevin would celebrate the equator line-crossing ceremony, moving sailors from slimy pollywogs to trusty shellbacks. It is with this tradition and honor that Kevin looks back on his 4-year military service with absolute pride. He is resolute in his commitment, with no regrets. He would do it all over again. His service would lead to a Vietnam service medal, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
John Ives
US Army, 1970-1972, Vietnam
John’s draft status would remain exempt until he completed his medical residency. As a physician psychiatrist, John would then be subject to the Doctor draft. He would complete a quick basic training at Fort Sam, and was then deployed to Long Binh Post in Vietnam.
As a psychiatrist, John would spend most of his time working with soldiers for drug treatment. There was no expectation for him to problem-solve. As a physician, he would be charged mostly with detoxing, attempting to scare soldiers into good behavior, and sending them back into combat.
With the Golden Triangle for growth, refinement and distribution of heroin present, it made it very easy for soldiers to gain access to 95% pure heroin from any mama-san for $5. John worried that American soldiers would return home with heroin addictions, but due to the extreme differences in purity and cost, this thankfully did not become the problem he anticipated.
As a loner, John was surprised at how close a bond of comradeship was built within the hooch living space. After the war, he would reconnect with a group of veterans for several hiking and kayaking trips.
Robert “Bob” Jock
Marine Corps, 1966-1968, Vietnam
Bob would choose the Marine Corps over draft into the Army. As the sole surviving son, he could have avoided the service, but has no regrets regarding his decision to serve.
On arrival to Parris Island for boot camp, Bob recalls it as being the worst day of his service, ranking over being shot at. The drill instructor would immediately be on them. Seeing a swamp nearby, he wonders if he could swim away. Weighing in at only 118, Bob would eat plenty, as they would take food away from the heavier guys and give it to him. Bob and a buddy would present themselves as a bit scruffy one day. This would result in a ruined razor being handed to both. They would not have an easy, clean shave.
Bob would remain at Parris Island for advanced training in demolition and mine-sweeping. During this training, Bob would drop a detonator cap on his instructor’s foot. As you can imagine, that did not go well for Bob.
Headed to Vietnam, Bob’s platoon would make a beach landing in the hottest of temperatures. While there he would secure areas and cargo, and go out for injury recovery. Bob would find a peach pit shaped into a little monkey; this would be considered a lucky piece desired by others. Asked if he would gift it over to another, it would end up lost during one of his adventures.
Bob would earn the following commendations during his service: the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal w/one star, the Vietnam Campaign w/1960 Device, and Marksman and Rifle Badges.
Charles Lustig, Jr.
US Army, 1966-1968, Vietnam
After completing 1 year of college, Charles would be drafted into the US Army. Living in New York City at the time, Charles would go to Fort Jackson for induction. He would be sent to Fort Hood for basic training, then off to Fort Gordon for AIT, spending 17 weeks in advanced training in his MOS, Field Radio Repair.
While at Fort Gordon, the Army would lose track of Charles’ location, leaving him in place for a couple of weeks. Found, Charles would be sent to Oakland Army Base in California. This base would serve as a main entry portal to Vietnam. Arriving in Vietnam in April 1967, trained in radio repair, he would be asked if he could type. Since he was able to, they switched him to the position of shop clerk.
Charles felt a close bond with his fellow soldiers during his service. In the hooch, they would have a mini-refrigerator, everyone else would have their drinks taken except for Charles. No one else liked the unsweetened grapefruit juice he liked to drink.
Returning from Vietnam in January 1968, Charles would exit the Army from Fort Dix. He would later enter the Army National Guard in 1981, where he would remain in service until 2004.
John continued his passion for radio communications as a ham radio operator as a civilian.
Steven Rothamel
US Navy, 1967-1971, Vietnam
Steven was committed to honorably fulfilling his duty to serve his country, just as his father did before him. Together with a buddy, they would select the Navy as their branch of service. A higher score on an exam would send Steven out first. His naval choice also offered him the opportunity to get the desired education for a more secure future.
The Great Lakes Naval Base would serve as Steven’s location for basic training and for his advanced training as an Electrician. This training would send him below deck of the USS Ticonderoga where the swells from the sea would carry the sounds of creaking bulkheads. As a “snipe,” he would perform the duties of an electrical technician.
Steven would spend nearly 3 ½ years aboard the USS Ticonderoga, spending time at Subic Bay in the Philippines, as well as sailing three cruises into the West Pacific. In transit to the USS Ticonderoga, Steven’s seabag would go missing. He would be forced to board the ship with nothing more than the clothes on his back. Thankfully, his shipmates would provide needed items until his seabag was found and returned.
During his service, Steven received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross, Navy Unit Commendation, and Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.
Orville “Fred” Scroggin
US Navy, 1960-1964, Vietnam
Fred would choose to join the Navy with his cousin. In the process, he would be placed on hold for registering high sugar levels during his physical. His cousin did not want to wait and would enter the service before him.
Finally passing his physical, Fred would be sent to the Great Lakes Naval Base. Here he would complete both basic training and a 3-month AIT. His early training would include deck hand and mess cooking, but much of what he learned would come from his on-the-job training.
His first assignment would take him to a submarine base in New London, Connecticut, where he would work mostly in the barracks. From there, Fred would receive an assignment working as a mess cook at the Newfoundland Naval Base. While serving in Newfoundland, Fred would also find himself on desk duty. Manning several phones, if the “Red” phone rang they would go out for crash recovery. He would also get to see Bob Hope and his troop show of celebrities while stationed there.
His next assignment would bring him aboard the USS Enterprise. While on ship, Fred would get to travel the globe, allowing him time in multiple ports, including Turkey, France, Italy and Spain. He would quickly learn that it was best to safely travel in numbers, be alert, and when they ask you if you want mustard in France, it is probably going to be very hot mustard.
As a young man, Fred’s military service allowed him to encounter life away from home, make new friends, and grow in knowledge and skills to take into his civilian life.
Marcus Spurlock
US Air Force, 1964-1966, Vietnam
Marcus would head to the recruiting office the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated with three of his friends. The Air Force would become their choice as they were the first able to get them into service.
Headed to Lackland AFB for basic training, Marcus would become the squad leader. Even despite all the physical training and exercise of basic training, Marcus would be the only one that would manage to gain weight during this training.
After basic, it was off to Chanute AFB for 6-months of training in aircraft maintenance. Leaving temperatures in the 80’s, it would be a jolt to arrive in Illinois to negative 10-degree weather. After the completion of training, Marcus would be assigned to Plattsburgh AFB. Here he would be performing his full-service assignment, except for several 90-day TDY trips to England. During a trip to England, he would get a week’s leave, and although he couldn’t share any of those stories, he would say that he had a good time.
While in Plattsburgh, the base would be on alert, which requires that he be within 25 miles of the base. Marcus would head slightly out of the range, as he decided to head to Kentucky, which probably wouldn’t have been a problem until the base was alerted to a speeding ticket he received in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Marcus would choose to make the North Country his home after exiting from the Air Force. To this day, he maintains close relationships with friends, located both close and far, formed during his service years.
Jack Verterano
US Marine Corps, 1971-1973, Vietnam
Jack knew as a young boy, just 6 years of age, that he was going to serve in the Marine Corps. He remembers a woman hearing his youthful wish to serve his country. She would tell him and his mother that he should not have such thoughts. At 18, he would go with friends to sign up. One year later he would see one of these friends assigned to the same base.
He would complete his basic training at Parris Island, then move on to Camp LeJeune for advanced infantry training. Before a “Slide for Life” training session, Jack would loan out a pair of socks to a barracks mate, who would attempt to return them, nasty and green, after finishing the course. Even today, he can still remember the “pop, pop, pop” of gas mask training and everyone attempting to quickly get their gas masks on.
After infantry training, Jack would receive an assignment as a cook. He would head to Cherry Point. There he would receive orders to cook for the barracks and the hospital. Even though many would say never volunteer, Jack never doubted his decision to volunteer when offered an opportunity.
Jack was honored and proud to serve his country in any capacity that they found necessary. He would do it all again, regardless of duty assignment given.
FLIGHT 61
Steven “Steve” Bacon
US Air Force, 1972-1999, Vietnam, Cold War
One year out of high school, and after numerous jobs, Steve was looking for career stability. He would enter the Burlington recruiter’s office, seeking a unique experience away from being a farm kid from Vermont. The Army recruiter wasn’t there that day, so Steve would join the Air Force after talking to their recruiter. This would take him to Lackland AFB for basic training, followed by Castle AFB for 5 months of training as a Boom Operator.
After AIT, Steven would have a brief assignment at Westover AFB for 4 months before receiving a 3-year assignment at Plattsburgh AFB. Having an excellent and encouraging mentor, Steve would go back to California as an instructor.
Steve’s 27 years of military service would lead him to a position as Aircraft Standardization and Flight Examiner, and In-flight Refueling Chief Enlisted Manager. His specialty would take him through a year of foreign service, an assignment to Offutt AFB, the Northeast SAC Headquarters, for their active status out of war plans, an 11-year return to Plattsburgh AFB, four years at Fairchild AFB, then finalizing his career at McGuire AFB.
His service would provide him with an abundance of training, strong mentors promoting and inspiring his service, a long list of commendations, as well as many close friends. He is most grateful to his wife, Lynn, for her commitment and dedication. His service is a partnership rooted in her support of 52 years.
Donald “Don” Berkman
US Army, 1968-1970, Vietnam
Don would be drafted into the US Army at age 19, leaving behind a job at Alcoa. A number of his friends would be called into service with him. He would report to basic training at Fort Dix, then receive 6-months AIT training at Fort Belvoir for an MOS as a Power Generator Equipment Operator.
After AIT, Don would receive his orders for Vietnam. He would arrive at Cam Ranh Bay by Chinook. On a deuce-and-a-half Army truck with a big tent, that is where he would stay.
As his first task, Don would be given two small generators and told to wire them. Within 3 to 4 months, he had moved up to above-ground wiring of 15 KW to 50 KW generators. While on guard duty, he would be needed as generator power would shut down. After that, he would not be assigned guard duty, but would be on call for 24 hours.
On only one occasion, Don would get the assignment of “Poop Duty.” This duty involved the removal of poop-filled drums from the makeshift outhouse, stirring in diesel fuel, and setting them on fire. This was not a duty that anyone wanted to be assigned.
At Phu Bai, within 3 miles of the DMZ, Don would run for generator fuel. Held in tent posts, these fuel posts would continually move so they could avoid being bombed.
Don values his military experience, and sees the importance of service to this country by its citizens. He is making this trip today with his son-in-law, Jeff, a Marine Corps veteran.
Gary Breyette
US Navy, 1971-1975, Vietnam
Gary’s father and brothers all served in various branches of the military. Receiving a low draft number, Gary enlisted in the Navy. This choice allowed him to see the world from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
He would head out to basic training and AIT at Great Lakes Naval Base, spending 13 weeks in AIT as an Operational Specialist.
With a home base in Mayport, Gary’s first two years would be assigned to the destroyer USS Lawe DD-763. While aboard the ship, they would provide gunfire and aircraft support off the coast of Vietnam.
Gary would also serve aboard the ammunition ship USS Suribachi. Here too he would find his ship off the coast of Vietnam providing arms and refueling to the combat units. He would travel to world ports, including Taiwan, Subic Bay in the Philippines, and Japan.
While on leave in Taiwan, he would become lost, and his cab driver didn’t know where his ship was. Gary would finally return late to the ship. Glad to be back and facing disciplinary action, he was not quite as amused as his deck mates, who found great humor in his late return.
During his service, Gary missed the privacy of civilian life, but had tremendous appreciation for the mail call letters he received from home.
James “Jim” Campbell
US Air Force 1969-1974 Vietnam
Jim enlisted in the US Air Force following college graduation in 1969 and was Commissioned as a 2nd Lt. He went on to complete Navigator and Navigator Bombardier training at Mather Air Force Base in 1970.
Assigned as a B-52 Navigator in Strategic Air Command, he would be posted to Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Washington, in 1971. At the end of 1971, Jim would be deployed to Utapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand for combat missions to Vietnam.
Ironically, Jim would follow in his father’s war experience. His father flew B25 bombers into Southeast Asia from India during WWII, while Jim’s bomber would be the B52, had the numbers reversed.
Jim completed a rotating schedule of 520 days deployed, to include Anderson Air Force Base in Guam. He would fly 125 combat missions, including missions to Hanoi and Haiphong.
Jim was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the mission to Haiphong in December 1972, during which he flew as wave lead Navigator.
For Jim, it was an honor to serve, and he attributes it as one of the best growth experiences of his life. He still maintains active friendships with fellow B-52 crew members.
Robert Carpenter
US Air Force, 1958-1962, Cold War
Robert, with his parents’ permission, would quit high school at 17 and enter the military. Just a few days from Christmas, Robert and three of his friends would head to Boston to enlist in the US Air Force.
Headed to Lackland AFB, then on to Sheppard AFB, Robert would complete basic and AIT where he would receive 4 months of training as a Communications Teletype Specialist.
First stationed for 6 months at Westover AFB, Robert would receive orders for reassignment for 1 year to Ernest Harmon AFB, in Newfoundland. Wanting to get married, Robert would have to ask the commanding officer for permission. Robert would be asked, “Are you in heat? Or in love?” This love would require an assignment extension of an additional 6-months for his marriage approval to be granted.
Robert’s last assignment would take him to Homestead AFB, in Florida. Here he would join the 19th Bombardment Wing, until released from active duty in December 1962. As the closest air base during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the base was on high alert and ready to respond. He would be bivwacking as President Kennedy’s motorcade passed by. Robert expected that his service time would be extended, had the crisis not been averted.
Carl “Butch” Gonyea
US Army, 1969-1970, Vietnam
Carl would be drafted. His assignment to the US Army, as his branch of service, would be determined when they would go down the line, assigning three to the Army, and the 4th to the Marines. Riding down to boot camp to Fort Dix with a friend from school. Upon arrival, they would be separated.
On to AIT, Carl would receive 2-months of pioneer training in engineering and construction tasks at Fort Leonard Wood. Carl recalls his physical training Sergeant being a rough guy who liked push-ups between each training session.
Fourteen months of Carl’s service time was spent at Camp Peterson in South Korea. Out blasting stones on a road late in the day, the crew would set off a big blast, stones would go everywhere. Within 30-minutes, the not-so-happy Sergeant Major was there; the blast had taken the lights out in the mess hall.
Thinking back, Carl’s only regret is that he didn’t stay in the military. To this day, he still stays in contact with a fellow soldier living in Texas that he became friends with while stationed in South Korea.
Frank Hay
US Navy, 1966-1970, Vietnam
At the age of 18, most of the guys who Frank knew were headed to the Marines. He selected the US Navy as he thought this branch would allow greater travel opportunities.
Frank would complete basic training and AIT at Great Lakes Naval Base. Completing radar school, he would make a request for the east coast and would receive his assignment on the west coast. In San Diego he would begin a 3-year assignment aboard the USS Galveston, a light-class cruiser containing nuclear weapons and a Marine contingency.
In Vietnam, they would spend months tracking planes off the coast. Frank would make a return trip home during this tour after receiving word that his father had a heart attack. He would fly back to Japan and return to ship off the Vietnamese coastal waters.
Seven months would be Frank’s longest stretch of time at sea. His memorable travels would take him to Barcelona, Hong Kong, through Europe and the Panama Canal, and a typhoon in Southeast Asia, with the sea breaking over 30 to 40 feet over the bridge.
He would make many good friends, and still fondly remembers his drive home from San Diego upon exit from the Navy. This journey home had him spending time at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Painted Desert.
Wallace “Wally” LaGoy
US Army, 1965-1967, Vietnam
Drafted into the US Army. Wally would complete both basic training and AIT at Fort Dix. Receiving training as a wheel vehicle mechanic, the Army would never assign him as a mechanic.
They would pack up their gear, fly to Arizona and stay in a desert building with no windows for 7 hours before traveling on to California. Reaching port, they were lined up and randomly picked who stayed and who would continue on to Hawaii by ship. Wally, aboard a ship with 3,000 troops, would sail by the Golden Gate Bridge and on to Hawaii. His travels would continue on to Japan and to Korea.
Wally would spend 1-and-a-half years in Korea. Here he would work in the motor pool assigned to drive the Lt Col, and to the military police. Wally would be thankful that he didn’t get called to be part of a jeep removal he witnessed. A PFC left the road and ended up in a waste hole channel. While in Korea, Wally would be called for TDY trips to Vietnam.
Discharged in California, he would return home with a nonstop flight to Kennedy Airport. Marking the occasion with a vodka shot, the surprising $10 price tag kept him at one. As with all veterans of this time, Wally would not encounter any warm welcomes or appreciation for his service.
James Laird
US Army, 1969-1972, Vietnam
James would head to the recruiter’s office with two of his buddies. After being told to hand over his seat when a woman walked in, he would exit and go into the Army recruiter’s office to enlist.
With basic training and AIT completed at Fort Dix, James would be assigned an MOS 36K20 field wireman covering telephones, switch boards, and communications specialties.
Much of his work would be learned as on-the-job training. Wiring electricity to gun sites, climbing poles for installation and repair, burying lines, and fixing hot wires in the rain. He would be blown back 10 feet when working with live electricity.
Sent to Vietnam, his first night in a foxhole with a grunt, a mongoose would present as a potential first casualty. Finding himself in the thick of action, James would be at Pleiku, Mang Yang Pass, LZ Action, Oh Khe Pass, Bon Son and Cam Ranh Bay. Some of James’ service decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
Adding to the stress of being away from home, James would learn of his mother being diagnosed with cancer, and also receive an unexpected Dear John letter from the girl he was expecting to marry.
Gregory”Greg” Lothrop
US Army, 1966-1969, Vietnam
At the age of 20, Greg made the choice to enlist in the US Army, knowing that air or water was not a direction for him. He would report to Fort Bragg for basic training. This is where he would have his first experience with a rattlesnake. He quickly learned to keep his gear close and tight.
He would next move on to Fort Benjamin Harrison for AIT and an MOS assignment in finance. As one of fifteen newly trained to develop a new finance program, they would be sent to Fort Dix for set up.
The fifteen would later have a change to infantry duty, and receive jungle training. Greg would receive orders that would both be canceled, once for Germany and then for Vietnam. Of the fifteen, five would be shipped to Vietnam, one of which would not make it home.
Greg is proud that he had the opportunity to serve his country, but felt compelled not to mention his military service throughout most of his life due to the negativity of the Vietnam era. With a strong desire to provide service, he has continued on to life filled with a strong commitment to serving his community.
James “Jim” Miller
US Air Force, 1969-1989, Vietnam/Cold War
Not wanting to be drafted into the US Army, James opted to enlist in the US Air Force. He would complete basic training at Lackland AFB, then on to Shepard AFB to the office of special investigations for training in aircraft crash Investigation. His MOS for jet aircraft engines and as a tactical aircraft maintenance technician, Jim’s role was to gain an overall knowledge of aircraft in general to determine what went wrong at a crash site.
In his 20-years of service, he would be sent to Air Force bases across the globe: Otis, Seymour Johnson, Osan in South Korea, Mytle Beach, Zweibruchen in Germany, Mountain Home, Suwon in South Korea, and lastly, at Plattsburgh. While at these bases, he would receive training, investigate crashes, and work in aircraft maintenance, earning him many commendations and medals.
A couple of personal points of interest from Jim in his military travels include: slot machines at the base club in Korea, and when the train stopped in Germany you didn’t have to depart for a beer or for meat on a hook. When in Suwon, they sponsored an orphanage. He would use shoe polish on his face to entertain the kids as a clown. Although easy to put on, not as easy to take off, but definitely worth the time for the kids.
Jim feels honor, respect and loyalty are key to his service career, which he would do all over again. He continues his service as a member of the Honor Guard for Post #20 and a volunteer at Senior Planet.
Sidney Perry
US Air Force, 1963-1964, Vietnam
Sidney grew up in London during WWII. He remembers asking the Americans while in Enfield if they “Got any gum chum.”
Enlisting in the British Army, Sidney would serve in the Mill Hill Middlesex Regiment, stationed in Germany from 1953-1955 as a physical training officer. After his Army service, he would decide to leave England, taking the Queen May to Canada to find employment.
Not wanting to remain in either England or Canada, Sidney would relocate once again to the United States. Looking at being drafted as a non-citizen, he would choose to enlist in the US Air Force, as he had already “tried out” the Army.
He would be sent to Lackland AFB in 1963 for basic training, then on to Griffiss AFB 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, with a specialty as an Apprentice Operations Control Specialist. He would be working in the command post hot room when President Kennedy was assassinated.
Without family nearby, Sidney would volunteer to work all the weekend, night, and holiday shifts that no one wanted. As the base was looking to cut down on shifts, Sidney figured out that he just needed to look like he was performing an important task, so he would carry around an empty box that needed to be delivered. No one bothered him, he was on an important delivery mission.
Sidney would occasionally get asked to make supply runs to Plattsburgh. Strapping him into the jump seat, they would give him the Major’s helmet. Arriving at base, he wondered why he was being addressed as Major, until he realized that it was written on the helmet he was wearing.
Glenn Pond
US Air Force, 1953-1957, Korean War
Not wishing to be drafted, Glenn would enlist in the US Air Force at age 19. He would begin his time in the military at Sampson AFB, and receive advanced training as an airborne radio operator at Keesler AFB. After graduating from high school at 17, Glenn would go to work for the Railroad as a telegraph operator. His knowledge of the railroad Morris Code allowed him a fast transition to international coding.
Glenn’s first assignment would take him to Donaldson AFB, flying in the C119 Flying Boxcars. There was a row of trees at the end of the runway. Glenn always had concerns that they would not make it over the top of them. They would fly to pick up the 82nd Airborne Division parachute division at Fort Bragg.
Glenn would serve 6 months at Kimpo AFB in South Korea. Here they would land in every possible location, even the beach. They would also fly Army soldiers on the C-47 to Japan’s Ashiya Air Field. Transferring to Tachikawa Airfield in Japan, Glenn would be a radio operator on the C-54.
Back in the states, Glenn would serve at Whiteman AFB SAC base. Here they would be performing air refueling for the KC-129. Hungarian hostilities in Greenland had Glenn on the ready for a B-47 refueling crew.
Glenn has never regretted his time in the Air Force. It gave him the opportunity to travel the world, and the GI bill allowed him to pursue an education and a fulfilling career teaching Biology.
Richard “Dick” Senecal
US Navy, 1967-1969, Vietnam
Dick would choose to serve his country just like his brothers. His brothers would choose the Army and the National Guard. Dick would enlist in the Navy SeaBees. In November 1967, he left for Gulfport Naval Base for basic training, then on to Oxnard, California for 6-months of advanced training with an MOS of Utilitiesman. His specialty would be plumbing and heating.
Landing in Da Nang, Vietnam, Dick would meet up with his already deployed mobile construction battalion, Alpha Co. Here he would serve his first 4 months as security. His service would be true to the Seabee motto “We build, we fight.” The next 6 months would be spent in plumbing and heating construction which earned him a Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Ribbon.
New orders would have him shipped back to California, to the Marine base, Camp Pendleton. Here Dick would receive advanced military training, including machine gunner, and rifle and pistol training. After the completion of this training, he would complete the remainder of his service commitment with an additional 7 months of service in Okinawa.
Like other miliary service people of this war, Dick remembers the unwelcoming return he would receive when returning home from his country. Today we give him and all others who served during Vietnam, both home and abroad, a proper thank you.
Dick made his journey today with his son Rick, an Army veteran.