My dad was a waist gunner in a B-24 Liberator during World War II.  He is the one we think of on Veteran’s Day, but other family members served.  Uncle Pete was in the Navy, Uncle Nick was an officer, but I don’t recall which branch.  My brother Chris was in the Air Force for the Vietnam War, and brother-in-law John was in the Army.  Nephew Dusty was also in the Army.  Mom would want me to mention that she volunteered for the USO, so really, she should get something.  Remember the people who served, and listen to their stories while you can.

My dad tells some of his story:

Early in my teaching career, Ohio passed a law requiring every school to dedicate an hour to a Veteran’s Day activity.  I started out cynical, so assumed that Normandy would get a couple of guys from the VFW to speak at an assembly. 

I know how kids are at an assembly.  They would be quiet, but not listening.  It’s hard to blame them when little thought is given to providing a quality presentation.  My students held me in some esteem, so I thought that they might be interested if there is a personal connection. 

My dad wouldn’t come in to talk to my students, but he did agree to be interviewed.  He hadn’t talked to my siblings or me about his time in WW II, so we were eager to hear his story.  I recorded the interview with  one of those gigantic cameras that held a VHS tape.  Digital video cameras were just getting affordable. It was my intention to interview him again the following year, but he passed away that summer.

This video, a few dozen photos and his service diary are all we have of his time at war.