Thomas Corzan: Three Decades in The Navy
marc.zarefsky2022-06-09T06:18:52-05:00When Tom turned 18, he took to heart the Navy slogan, “Join the Navy and See the World.” He enlisted and did just that.
Kenneth Albert: Blood, Sweat and Tears on the Mekong River
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:41:55-05:00“Join the Navy and see the world!” But in Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Ken Albert’s case, it was not “see the world” but more like “be in the line of fire 24/7 for as long as your Vietnam tour of duty lasts.”
Lewis Bottando: Jungle Combat, Three Purple Hearts, Two Bronze Stars
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:42:01-05:00Lew Bottando grew up in Chicago with his brother who also served in Vietnam with the Air Force. Before joining the Army, Lew worked as a laborer, building Illinois Route 394, also known as the Calumet Expressway.
Arnold Grauer: The Real Mash Unit
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:42:10-05:00In 1964 the Vietnam draft impacted the lives of so many young men. Arnie, who had already graduated from medical school, decided to be the master of his fate.
The Galvans: A Band of Three Brothers
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:42:17-05:00Growing up, the Galvan brothers, Manny, Felix, and Lu, did almost everything together. As young adults, all three entered the military and served during Vietnam – sometimes even in the same village.
Richard Dowsett: Closing The Quartermaster Company in Pusan
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:42:24-05:00Richard “Dick” Dowsett was born 1931 in Dowagiac, Michigan and spent his childhood there. After finishing high school, he attended Western Michigan University and graduated in 1953 with a degree in Business Administration.
Joseph Kwasny: Ambushed on the Beach
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:42:31-05:00Joseph Kwasny was the youngest of six children in a Polish household and neighborhood. He is a Purple Heart recipient, had a career in law enforcement and continues to help veterans today.
Leon Wilson: From Blue Water to Brown Water Navy
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:42:39-05:00Leon H. Wilson was born and raised in the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago. Leon, wanting more adventure than what he was experiencing on the South Side of Chicago, made the decision to join the U.S. Navy at the age of seventeen years old.
Joseph Matkovcik: A Medic With Many Stops
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:42:47-05:00Joseph Matkovcik grew up in Berwyn and enlisted in the Army in 1972 at the age of 27. Between high school and enlisting, Joseph worked for the County Police, the County Sheriff and worked in a machine shop.
Thomas Workinger: Flying Midshipman to Flying the ‘Friendly Skies’
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:42:54-05:00Thomas G. (Tom) Workinger was born in 1928 during the Great Depression and grew up and attended school in Terre Haute, Indiana. He “watched” as World War II engulfed the planet.
Malone Wilson: One of the First African-American Marine ‘Volunteer’ Recruits
marc.zarefsky2022-04-10T20:36:27-05:00Malone Wilson was born in Thomaston, Alabama and was principally raised by his mother, Ernestine during his younger years. Now approaching the century mark with his 100th birthday this November, Malone was the oldest of his seven siblings.
James Owen: ROTC To National Guard to Army
marc.zarefsky2022-04-14T08:58:17-05:00High school ROTC was only the beginning for Jim Owen. As an ROTC second lieutenant, Jim learned a great deal about leadership, command, and camaraderie.
Bonnie and Jack Cordaro: A Story of Love and Service
marc.zarefsky2022-04-10T20:12:54-05:00Bonnie and Jack Cordaro have a unique story. They both served their country at different times in different places. While many military spouses met through their service, Bonnie and Jack served separately and met at a social for young professionals in Chicago.
Dominick Calamino: Following in His Parents’ Footsteps, Twice
marc.zarefsky2022-04-10T20:14:51-05:00When Dominick Calamino, Jr. was attending Chicago Vocational High School in the mid-60’s, the U.S. Army was drafting young men to serve in the Vietnam War.
Bob and John Runtz: True Brothers in Arms
marc.zarefsky2022-04-09T21:55:39-05:00John and Bob Runtz are siblings from a Chicago family of five. John, born in August, 1943 and Bob born in June, 1945, instantly became members of a military family.
Earl and Darrell Bushnell: Shared Experiences for Father and Son
marc.zarefsky2022-04-09T21:37:14-05:00Earl Bushnell, age 96 and his son, Darrell, age 72 are in for an incredible ride. They will be the first father and son duo in Honor Flight Chicago’s history as part of the organization’s 100th flight to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 13.
Bill Baker: Underwater Demolition and Cartography Expert
marc.zarefsky2022-04-09T21:38:13-05:00William “Bill” Baker grew up probably as far from the sea as one could in the States. Born in Minneapolis on January 5, 1940, he lived in Maple Lake just north and west of the Twin Cities, surrounded by farm country.
Elaine Ansbro: Learning to Write Backward
marc.zarefsky2022-04-09T21:08:50-05:00Throughout Elaine’s interview she talked about how much she loves airplanes and anything patriotic. As a Girl Scout, she remembers with pride marching in the 4th of July parades. Her love of airplanes plus patriotism equal the Air Force.
Dave Adams: From Fighter Pilot to Volunteer Interviewer
marc.zarefsky2022-04-10T20:37:24-05:00Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base was a hub of activity during the Vietnam War. Located in northeastern Thailand, it was one of the major centers of U.S. Air Force combat operations.
Thomas Wysocki: Infantry and Combat Engineer
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:16:43-05:00Corporal Tom Wysocki knew from a young age he wanted to serve his country, inspired in part by John Wayne.