We are so thankful for the men and women who have served our country and defended our freedom!
For Veterans Day, we asked veterans across Sagora communities to share their experiences with us, including the lessons they learned and their favorite memories from their time in the US Armed Forces. We’re so thankful for those who shared their experiences with us. Here are the stories from veterans at Lakestone Terrace Senior Living in Granbury, Texas.
Ray A. served in the Navy from 1955-1958, serving in Maryland and Florida, also spending time aboard a ship. “It was a terrific experience,” he says. “Nobody shot at me!”
Jack B. served in the Navy during the last years of World War II. He worked on radars, using primitive electronics to assist the US war effort in the Pacific.
Richard B. served 28 years in the Navy, flying multi-engine aircraft on a variety of missions He took part in Operation Deep Freeze, an effort by the US to establish a presence in Antarctica. He says that Antarctic conditions challenged his skills as a commander of a Hercules C-130. There is a mountain named after him on the continent, stemming from his work during the operation.
Robert “Bob” B. served in a signal company from 1959-1961 as part of the 3rd Army. He served three months in Germany during the Berlin Crisis.
David C. served in the Army and Army reserves during the 1950s, acting as a sergeant. He was in charge of weekend passes and work detail schedules.
Dean H. served in the Navy from 1949-1953. He was aboard the initial invasion fleet that went into Inchon Harbor in Korea at the beginning of the Korean War, establishing a foothold in the country so that additional troops could land and start military operations. For this effort, he was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.
Donald A. served in the Army from 1951-1977 in anti-aircraft artillery operations and as a quartermaster in charge of logistics. He was granted several command positions and says the Army paid for his master’s degree.
Eugene P. served in the Navy from 1951-1955, spending four years aboard the Atlantic Fleet. He also wrestled, winning two tiles in the Atlantic Division and a runner-up trophy for the entire Atlantic Fleet.
Jimmie R. served in the Navy from 1953-1956, where he was stationed on a ship that patrolled the waters off the coast of China. He enjoyed traveling in Asia.
Franklin S. remembers the end of the Korean War. He was leaving the country after the ceasefire had been announced, but the train was still under fire. The Korean forces hadn’t yet gotten the news. Franklin served in the Army from 1953-1956. While stationed in Japan, he served as the General’s driver.
Thomas T. served as a maintenance technician near the end of the Korean War, looking after aircraft like B-29s and KC-97s. He says the military paid for his education following his discharge.
Orville U. served in the Army from 1952-1954, during the Korean War. He helped set up relief camps in Pusan following a massive fire in the city.
John U. worked in the Navy during the Korean War. He was aboard the USS New Haven where he oversaw heart tests for the wounded, and was recognized for his good work.
Ronald V. served in the Marines from 1945-1967. His career started in China, where he guarded Japanese prisoners of war, then he went to Korea. Late in his career, he served in Washington DC. Service in the Armed Forces was a family affair, as six of the seven boys in his family also served in the military.
Rowland W. served in the Air Force from 1950-1953, serving in Japan during the Korean Air Lift as part of the 483rd Troop Carrier Wing. “Hurry up and wait,” he says.