We are so thankful for the men and women who have served our country and defended our freedom!
In the leadup to 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 and we’re thrilled to share their stories:
Don M. served in the Army from 1950-1953. He was a Section Leader in the 45th Infantry Division. Don says the Army taught him discipline and “opened my eyes to the world.” The Army, Don says, “changed my life in ways I can’t explain.”
Bob H. served in the Navy from 1953-1956. His team handled top-secret material and reported to the Admiral each morning. He was aboard the USS Oriskany, though he says he never learned how to swim!
Chester F. served in the US Marines from 1950-1953, working in Military Intelligence. He said the biggest lesson that he took away from his service was “learning to obey commands.” Charles still proudly wears a hat that says “Once a Marine, always a Marine!”
Jaryl Y. served in the Army from 1957-1960. Originally a sonographer, he became involved in the 29th Army band, playing the alto saxophonist. After coming back to the states, he continued to play saxophone for the Army in addition to working as a chemical specialist.
Royce S. served in the Navy from 1963-1966 as an Air Traffic Controller. He used the skills he learned in the Navy when he returned to civilian life, where he worked as an Air Traffic Controller at the Dallas airport. He still keeps in contact with people he met during his service.
Lowell F. was a radar operator in the Air Force from 1954-1957. He said the Air Force gave him a second family due to the friendships that formed during his service.
Jack H. was in the Army from 1952-1954, then did six years of service in the reserves. He was a typist, working in Germany to help process discharged troops. He brought back a new pair of scissors to his wife, a seamstress, and for years she would say “you need to go back to Germany to get me more of those good scissors.”
John S. served in the US Army from 1967-1970 as a Radar Technician. John says that his favorite memory from his service was the plane ride back from Vietnam, where his fellow soldiers were all shouting “we’re going home!”