My husband’s military service is a special part of his personal history, and as such, an important part of our family history. We were married in 1965, during the height of the Viet Nam War. He graduated from college in May of 1967, and having passed the qualifying test the previous winter, had been sworn in as an Officer Candidate in the United States Marines. He was commissioned as a 2nd LT in the spring of 1968, and after Officer Candidate School and The Basic School, followed by Supply School, he spent a 13-month tour of duty in Viet Nam. While in country, he was promoted to 1st LT. He was honorably discharged as a Captain, USMC.
My pride in his service to our country is only exceeded by my pride in his service to our Lord. But, stronger than either of those sources of pride, and foundational to both, is my pride in who he is. He served because he wanted to serve, because it was an honor to fulfill his patriotic duty.
One day I may write a book. For today, as we celebrate Veterans Day, I’ll just post a few pictures from the “olden days” – the days when military personnel and their loved ones could not even communicate by telephone, much less web cams, Skype, email, chat, etc. We communicated only by letter (real letters) for 10 months. Then we met in Hawaii for R&R. Then another three months of letters-only, before his return home. Yeah, THOSE “olden days.”
Nov 1967 Newly-commissioned 2nd LT Quantico, VA
May 1968, Camp Lejeune, NC
Following pictures are from Viet Nam:
Photos below: Having returned from overseas duty, Russell was presented with the Navy Commendation Medal, earned for meritorious service during a wartime situation.
Thanks to my honey, and to all who have served through the years, to secure and protect my freedom.
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