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.
At 17 years old, Larry Shaver enlisted in the Marine Corps and his whole life changed – including his name.
Rodney acquired his first trumpet for $2. He didn't want to just make noise with it. He wanted to play “music”.
Robert Hornung grew up on the south side of Chicago. His older brother served in the Korean War. He volunteered for the draft in 1968, at age 18.
Growing up in a military family, it was not a difficult decision for Paul Barrath to make the decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy.
Looking back on his early life, Lt. Colonel (Ret. U.S. Army) Stephen (“Pete”) Pedersen mused that the big surprise at his birth had been that he was a boy and not a girl.
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.
When Tom turned 18, he took to heart the Navy slogan, “Join the Navy and See the World.” He enlisted and did just that.
“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.”
Lew 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.
In 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.
Growing 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 “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 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 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 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 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 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.
High 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 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.
