On this Veteran's' day weekend, I remember the service of my family

Both grandfathers served as Devil Dogs (Marines) in WW I. One was wounded that caused him lifelong pain, the other came through intact. That grandfather serviced in the Navy in WWII and was in the Navy reserve for many years after.

My father served in the Army WWII in the European theatre. He saw much combat but did not share of his exploits, except the more interesting and fun stuff that wasn’t about killing. When the war ended he stayed in Germany supervising a group of former German soldiers in clearing rubble. He taught me an early lesson that the average German soldier was little different from the average Allied soldier. Most were conscripts few were NAZIs.

After a hiatus of 12 years he reenlisted in the army, going through basic training again. He worked in intelligence and was a green beret. He was never wounded but froze his feet in the Battle of the Bulge which caused him painful feet issues and a strong dislike of cold weather.

I served in the Texas and Delaware Air National Guard as an avionics technician. The TANG group is the same one that GW Bush served and deserted. You don’t just say that you are going to do your duty in anther unit. You are discharged honorably from you old unit and reenlisted in your new. This must be done in 45 days. I did it twice, moving from TANG to DANG and back to TANG. My DD-214 shows 3 honorable discharges. But ole W, well they seem to have lost his DD-214 along with him a Laura the only people ever to get NEW Texas driver’s license numbers. Enough of that old news and on to the next generation.

One son served in the Marines following in the Great Grandpas boots. He was in Kuwait in the 1st Gulf War. He suffers from many health issues that are linked to his service in Kuwait.

His younger brother did 20 years in the USAF, serving at several SAC bases from Arkansas to Alaska. His son is currently serving in the Air Force at a base near Las Vegas. He has served twice in Afghanistan and once in Korea. I expect him to do 20 years.

My joke is that we served in all branches of the armed forces except the Coast Guard, none of us are brave enough to be a Coastie.

The two generations before me have died. None died in combat, but all served well and bravely.

I am glad that I served - I think that some sort of national service would be good for all young men and women. It doesn’t have to be military, but the learning to work well with others is a great life lesson.