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SPC Zulay Henao, U.S. Army (1997-2000)

SPC Zulay Henao, U.S. Army (1997-2000)

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Zulay Henao, best known for her captivating performances in both film and television, where she easily transitions from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies, is also a proud U.S. Army veteran. This Colombian-American star traded her fatigues for film scripts after serving three years, proving she can tackle any role with the same gusto she once applied to obstacle courses at Fort Bragg. Whether she's playing a tough-as-nails character or a loving friend, Henao brings an undeniable charm and authenticity that keeps audiences coming back for more—evidence that her basic training prepared her not just for combat, but for conquering Hollywood as well. Zulay Henao’s Early Life & Military Service Zulay Henao was born on May 29, 1979, in Medellín, Colombia. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was a child, settling in New Jersey. After graduating high school, Henao made the bold decision to enlist in the United States Army, a choice that would shape her future in...

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AFN George Carlin, U.S. Air Force (1954-1957)

AFN George Carlin, U.S. Air Force (1954-1957)

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George Denis Patrick Carlin, known for his sharp wit and incisive social commentary, remains one of the most influential comedians of all time. His career spanned decades, and his humor challenged societal norms, making him a voice for many who questioned authority and the status quo. However, before he became a household name, Carlin's life took a different path—one that led him to serve in the United States Air Force. While his military service may seem at odds with his later persona, it played a significant role in shaping the man he would become. George Carlin’s Early Life and Enlistment George Denis Patrick Carlin was born on May 12, 1937, in New York City to an Irish father, Patrick Carlin, and an Irish-American mother, Mary Bearey. Carlin grew up in a tough neighborhood and was known for his rebellious nature from an early age. He was raised on West 121st Street in a part of Upper Manhattan commonly known as “white Harlem.” By the time he was a teenager, Carlin had developed a...

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Targeted: Beirut by Jack Carr

Targeted: Beirut by Jack Carr

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If the name Jack Carr sounds familiar, that's because the former Navy SEAL and podcaster is also the author of "The Terminal List," a New York Times bestseller. The paperback thriller has been adapted into a hit television show on Amazon Prime Video, starring Chris Pratt as the main character, Navy SEAL Lt. Cmdr. James Reece. There is even a prequel series in the works at Amazon Studios starring Taylor Kitsch.  Targeted: Beirut Explores a Tragic Day in Marine Corps History Earlier in 2024, Carr released "Red Sky Mourning," the seventh book in the thrilling "Terminal List" series, but in September, he will offer fans something entirely different. His first nonfiction novel, "Targeted: Beirut: The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing and the Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror." On Oct. 23, 1983, a 19-ton stake-bed truck laden with high explosives drove through the security perimeter of a building that served as the barracks for the 1st Battalion 8th Marines, deployed to Beirut as...

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Service Reflections of SSG Randy Cross U.S. Army (1980-1998)

Service Reflections of SSG Randy Cross U.S. Army (1980-1998)

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Initially, I had no intention of joining the military. However, right before I graduated High School, Lee Iacocca announced that Chrysler was bankrupt. There was no place in Michigan where the impact of this wasn’t felt. I lost my job in a furniture factory and was unable to find one, even at McDonalds. After a fruitless day of job hunting, an Army recruiter asked if he could talk to me. I signed up for the Army National Guard in hopes that after basic and AIT, the job market would become better. During my time in basic, I began to understand what the military was and how it served the nation. I fully intended to stay in the military, so after two months in the Guard, I enlisted to become active duty. It is a decision I have never regretted.

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Service Reflections of DCCM Ron Coombs, U.S. Coast Guard (1976 – 1997)

Service Reflections of DCCM Ron Coombs, U.S. Coast Guard (1976 – 1997)

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I grew up in the airline industry, and the Vietnam War was still going on. I wanted college, and the GI bill was the only way to get there, so I went service shopping down on 7th Street in Ft. Worth, Texas.
After talking with the Navy and Air Force, I stepped out a side door and saw a small fold-out sign that said “Coast Guard.” I had no idea what it was. Two men were crammed into a small room, and I would run into one again ten years later.
The helicopters caught my eye, and I signed up. I never did get into aviation, and it turns out I like ships. Who knew? I had no fear of boot camp (Alameda) until we were told we were all going on a ship heading for Vietnam. We didn’t go. The war ended, and we were sent out to save America.

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Service Reflections of OS2 Christopher Hawley, U.S. Navy (1981-1987)

Service Reflections of OS2 Christopher Hawley, U.S. Navy (1981-1987)

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I was always sure that I would serve in the military from a very young age. Military Service in my family was always a strong influence. At about fifteen years old, I was very sure that I would make a career in the military. I had joined the Civil Air Patrol at the time, and I loved it. I was also sure that I would be a United States Marine, just as two of my cousins, an uncle, and a Great-grandfather had all been.

My Great-grandfather had joined the Marines in 1910 at 16, lying with his parents’ help about his age, saying his birth year was 1892, not 1893. He served until 1914, participating in the incursion into Vera Cruz, Mexico, after the “Tampico Incident.” During much of his four years, he was detached from his command to the Marine Corps Rifle Range Detachment at the Marine Barracks, Quantico, VA, as part of the marksmanship team. After finishing Boot Camp at Paris Island, South Carolina, he was assigned to an old Battleship, the USS Louisiana (BB-19) and later the USS Texas (BB-35), as part of the Marine detachment. He was a participant in most of the National matches at Camp Perry during that time, earning the National Match, Distinguished Marksmanship Gold Metal.

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Service Reflections of SMSgt Don Zeman, U.S. Air Force (1970-1994)

Service Reflections of SMSgt Don Zeman, U.S. Air Force (1970-1994)

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After graduating from Charles D. Owen High School while living in Black Mountain, NC, 1968, my family moved to Danville, VA. I attended Danville Community College for a year and a half, but my heart wasn’t into more school at the time. I was a better draft avoider than a student. Quitting school several times, my 2S (student) deferment was changed to 1A (ready for immediate induction) and I was called for a physical.
I was unsure what I wanted to do, and how to start my adult life. Going to college was a long-term path. Working low-paying jobs that didn’t require experience was not satisfying. Without a commitment to school, I faced being drafted.
My older brother, Sgt Frank J. Zeman III, had completed five years of Air Force service and elected discharge in June 1970. My twin brother, SMSgt Ronald F. Zeman, USAF Ret., and I were in the first group for the new (December 1969) draft lottery and our draft number was 161. Without a deferment, I would have been drafted with numbers 195 and below were called.

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Service Reflections of NCC Don Richards, U.S. Navy (1980-2004)

Service Reflections of NCC Don Richards, U.S. Navy (1980-2004)

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Growing up I was influenced by war movies, TV and history involving the military (and I still am) so; I felt a sense of duty. In 1980 (age 20) I knew I wanted to join but, I wanted some control over what I would be doing. One day I drove to the recruiting office, grabbed some pamphlets and left. I didn’t look at the recruiters or give them a chance to talk to me.
I looked at the material over, talked to my brother-in-law (who was a Navy Vet) and went back a week or so later to negotiate IC “A” school.
When I learned I could be promoted to E2 by referring two others to join; I parked outside the recruiting office almost every day, during lunch. When someone came up I’d ask, “are you thinking about joining the Navy”? If they said yes I’d say “my name’s Don, come on, I’ll introduce ya! The recruiters must have thought I knew everyone in town and at least three of them enlisted (so, since I referred them, I was promoted to E2).

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PFC Jerome Silberman (Gene Wilder), U.S. Army, 1956-1958

PFC Jerome Silberman (Gene Wilder), U.S. Army, 1956-1958

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In the glittering world of Hollywood, Gene Wilder remains an iconic figure, celebrated for his comedic genius and unforgettable performances. From his iconic roles in classics like "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" to his collaborations with Mel Brooks in uproarious films like "Young Frankenstein" and "Blazing Saddles," Wilder's legacy is etched in the hearts of movie buffs everywhere. Yet, amidst the laughter and applause, there exists a lesser-known chapter of his life – his service in the United States military. Beyond the screen, Wilder's journey as a soldier reveals a depth of character shaped by discipline, sacrifice, and patriotism. Gene Wilder’s Early Life: From Milwaukee to Basic Training Gene Wilder was born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Jeanne (Baer) and William J. Silberman, a manufacturer and salesman of novelty items. His father was a Jewish Russian immigrant, as were his maternal grandparents. Growing up, Wilder and his...

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Service Reflections of HM1 Kenneth Smith, U.S. Navy (1987-2007)

Service Reflections of HM1 Kenneth Smith, U.S. Navy (1987-2007)

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I had always wanted to join the Navy, ever since I was 12 years old.
My uncle was in the Navy and he would always come home with more sea stories to tell.
When my dad went back in the Navy, after 10 years of broken service, we moved to San Diego. I was immersed in the Navy culture and I knew I wanted to become a Sailor. I joined the Sea Cadet Corps and stayed in it for 3 years, until we moved to Minneapolis, MN.
I joined the Minnesota National Guard, while still in high school because the Navy didn’t want me until I graduated. I wanted to serve my country as soon as I could I finally joined the Navy in April of 1987 and went to Boot Camp in Jun 1987.
While in Boot Camp, a Chaplin asked my company why we joined. I was the only one in the company to say I simply wanted to serve my country. It was not popular, back then, to be as patriotic as I was. But I was proud to serve, and I am proud to have gotten as far as I did.

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Service Reflections of GYSGT Wesley Heckman, U.S. Marine Corps (1983-2003)

Service Reflections of GYSGT Wesley Heckman, U.S. Marine Corps (1983-2003)

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My father was the biggest influence on me to join. Although he never once said anything to me about joining the Marine Corps, he never went to the recruiter with me. The only statement he made to me was…

1. “Boy, if you want your driver’s license at 16, you need to get a job, buy a car, and insurance. Then you can get your license.”

2. ” When you turn 18, you are going to have to get out of MY house or pay rent” That was his philosophy. I bought a 1965 Malibu from our next-door neighbor for $500.00; my mother was the bank, payments were established, and at 18, I was in the Corps.

I was born at Camp LeJeune. My brother at Portsmouth, Va, and my sister at New Port, RI. When my father went to Viet Nam we lived near my Grandparents in Pittsburgh, PA. When he returned, he got I&I duty in Providence, RI, and we lived at Quonset Point, RI. When he had to spend the night as Staff Duty NCO, he would often take me along to hang with him, which was really great during Xmas, you know, Toys For Tots. Back then, you donated any toy, used or new. So the corner of the Shop was filled with toys, and I tested them before they were distributed.

I remember riding with him in a 5-ton, taking Marines to the airstrip. Later in my career, I asked him about those rides. We were hauling Marines to begin deployment to Viet Nam. From there, we moved to Parris Island, and for the next six years, it was boot Camp. It was a different time there as well. We saw a lot of training and got to do a lot. Once or twice I ran obstacles on the Confidence Course or climbed the O course rope to prove to young recruits “a child can do it.” I loved it. So without a word from my father, he showed me his love of the Corps, which I chose as well. Our favorite movies to watch together were John Wayne in the Sand of Iwo Jima, The Great Santini, and The Boys in Company C.

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Service Reflections of MSGT Terry Bacon, U.S. Marine Corps (1977-1998)

Service Reflections of MSGT Terry Bacon, U.S. Marine Corps (1977-1998)

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PRESERVING A MILITARY LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS The following Reflections represents MSGT Terry Bacon's legacy of his military service from 1977 to 1998. If you are a Veteran, consider preserving a record of your own military service, including your memories and photographs, on Togetherweserved.com (TWS), the leading archive of living military history. The following Service Reflections is an easy-to-complete self-interview, located on your TWS Military Service Page, which enables you to remember key people and events from your military service and the impact they made on your life. Start recording your own Military Memories HERE. Please describe who or what influenced your decision to join the Marine Corps. When I was about 7 or 8, I had an uncle who had returned from Vietnam. It was in '67 or '68. He was a door gunner and crew chief on a UH-34D. When he got home, he gave me an eagle, globe, and anchor to play with, and I carried it with me everywhere. It left a lasting...

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