Rick Ellish: Life Support Specialist

2022-08-30T21:42:11-05:00

It was 1966. His student deferment was gone, and his draft papers had arrived. For Rick Ellish it was a chance to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father was a lifer in the U.S. Army infantry. But when Rick gave his dad the news that he’d been drafted, the reaction wasn’t what he expected.

Rick Ellish: Life Support Specialist2022-08-30T21:42:11-05:00

Artie Hill, Jr.: Representing The Army On the Field And In The Ring

2022-08-30T21:42:18-05:00

Artie Hill, Jr. grew up on the southside of Chicago. His father, Artie, Sr. was a Pullman porter and his mother Rena, was a cook. When Artie graduated grammar school, his mother, Rena, had grown tired of Chicago and went to Los Angeles to fulfill her dream of expanding her culinary skills to become a chef. 

Artie Hill, Jr.: Representing The Army On the Field And In The Ring2022-08-30T21:42:18-05:00

Andy Anczer: The Chicago Gangsters

2022-08-30T21:42:24-05:00

While he now lives in Texas, in 1966, Andy was living in Oak Lawn, IL with his mother and stepfather. His stepfather, Francis X. Downey was actually a member of the Illinois State House of Representatives from 1957 to 1965.

Andy Anczer: The Chicago Gangsters2022-08-30T21:42:24-05:00

Winifred French: Medical Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base

2022-08-30T21:42:38-05:00

Winifred (Winnie) French was born in 1936 in Evergreen Park, IL. Her father was a Chicago Police Officer, so the family resided in Chicago.  After graduating from Morgan Park High School in 1954, she enlisted in the Air Force that same year.

Winifred French: Medical Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base2022-08-30T21:42:38-05:00

Barry Baron: Fulfilled His Dream As a Paratrooper

2022-07-17T20:34:26-05:00

Describing his younger days in grammar and high school, Barry was known as a “cantankerous kid.” Looking for “structure” in his life, he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army and he specifically had set his sights on being a paratrooper.

Barry Baron: Fulfilled His Dream As a Paratrooper2022-07-17T20:34:26-05:00

Mary Catherine Burkart: Mother and Daughter Serving Together

2022-07-17T20:33:34-05:00

As family traditions go, service to your country is a truly noble one to have. For the Burkart family of Sycamore, IL, answering the call during World War II was more than a duty. It was a strike back at an enemy that had taken one of their own on D-Day.

Mary Catherine Burkart: Mother and Daughter Serving Together2022-07-17T20:33:34-05:00

Christopher Mead: Maintaining Order in the Skies Over Vietnam

2022-07-17T20:32:34-05:00

By early January 1968, Chris shipped out to Vietnam joining MACS-4 (Marine Air Control Squadron) located on a peninsula northeast of Da Nang on top of “Monkey Mountain.” The base was located on the peak of Sơn Trà Mountain, overlooking Da Nang Harbor and China Beach.

Christopher Mead: Maintaining Order in the Skies Over Vietnam2022-07-17T20:32:34-05:00

Daniel Devine: A Sergeant at Age 18

2022-07-17T20:29:17-05:00

After Boot Camp and infantry training, "Sarge" was assigned to Camp Pendleton in California. His Military Occupation Specialty was artillery, and his specific weapon was the 155 mm self-propelled howitzer.

Daniel Devine: A Sergeant at Age 182022-07-17T20:29:17-05:00

Richard Wyrick: Working Security With a K-9

2022-07-17T20:27:12-05:00

In December of 1965, Rich went to Vietnam where his responsibilities included providing security protection for visiting dignitaries, such as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture at the time.

Richard Wyrick: Working Security With a K-92022-07-17T20:27:12-05:00

Ronald Dascher: Flying With The Blue Dragons

2022-06-09T08:08:18-05:00

Ron was born on a farm near Freeport, Illinois in 1936, one of six kids. He and several buddies from his neighborhood in Freeport left high school halfway through senior year to sign up for the military.

Ronald Dascher: Flying With The Blue Dragons2022-06-09T08:08:18-05:00
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