The Veterans in My Family

Today is Veteran’s Day in the US, so I wanted to take a moment to honor the various veterans in my family who have served this country and hopefully made the world a better, safer place.

  • My grandfather on my father’s side was in the Army Corps of Engineers, serving in China building bridges. As the story goes, he spent some time with Chiang Kai Shek, who gave him a sword that was lost after my grandfather passed away many years later.
  • My grandfather on my mother’s side served in Cuba during World War II.
  • My other grandfather on my mother’s side (my grandmother remarried) fought in World War II in Europe, including in the famous Battle of the Bulge in France.
  • My Uncle RB served in Korea after the Korean War.
  • My brother-in-law was an officer in the Navy on nuclear submarines.
  • My cousin is currently serving in the Navy.
  • Another cousin has served in the Army for years.

From the bottom of my heart, I’m so grateful that these family members–along with friends like Scott, John, Joe, and Jeff–have dedicated significant portions of their lives to the Armed Forces. I think we all serve our respective countries and the world in various ways, but serving in the military–particularly with compassion and respect for various nations and cultures–is one of the most direct ways to do that, and I appreciate what these veterans have done.

Do you have any veterans or active service members in your family?

2 thoughts on “The Veterans in My Family”

  1. Both of my grandfathers were in the Army during WWII. My dad’s dad was in the Army Air Corps stationed in England and my mom’s was also at the Battle of the Bulge. As the son of German immigrants, he helped transport German POWs and would just casually listen to what they’d be saying – unaware their truck driver was fluent.

    My mom’s brother was an Army forward paratrooper deep in enemy territory during Vietnam. One of his sons was a medic in the Army years later.

    Several cousins are active duty, and, of course, I have many friends currently in as well as out.

    Reply
  2. Jamey,

    Most of my uncle’s (mom’s side) served in the Army as enlisted members, finding employment after their service in a variety of professions from mechanic to accountant. My father’s side came to the U.S. from Lithuania around the time of the Russian Revolution. My great grandfather had served a s a Cossack but little is known today about his history. Now, among my cousins, nephews, and nieces, we’ve had a Marine and me, am Airman.

    Reply

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