Military Medley

Lt. Henry Fonda, U.S. Navy (1942-1946)

Lt. Henry Fonda, of the US Navy between 1942 and 1946, interrupted a prominent career as a film actor in order to serve his country when it needed him most. Fonda’s commanding screen presence made him a favorite of theatergoers for five decades, culminating in an Oscar for his final performance. Henry Fonda’s Stage Beginnings Born in Grand Island, Nebraska, in 1905, Fonda was the son of a printer. Raised in Omaha, he witnessed and was profoundly affected by the horrors of the Omaha race riot of 1919. After high school he attended the University of Minnesota, but did not graduate. At the age of 20 he joined the Omaha Community Playhouse. He grew to be fascinated by the stage and learned many aspects of stagecraft, eventually growing to enjoy acting as taking on a role and speaking someone else’s words gave him respite from his shy personality. In 1928 he moved to Massachusetts and met his future wife Margaret Sullavan while working for the University Players, a theater troupe....

Gary Sinise Foundation

Important Organizations, Useful Military Information

The Gary Sinise Foundation and Veterans What is the relationship between the Gary Sinise Foundation and veterans? There are many non-profit organizations and charities that endeavor to support veterans, particularly those wounded in the line of duty. The Gary Sinise Foundation’s mission statement is, “We serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need...by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.” Together We Served takes a closer work at the efforts the Foundation is making to support the veteran community. Who is Gary Sinise? Born in 1955, Gary Sinise is an American actor. He got his start in theater and small television roles. He first attracted substantial attention for directing, producing, and starring in the 1992 film Of Mice And Men, adapting the classic John Steinbeck novella. Shortly after, he made a huge impression as the double amputee...

GySgt R. Lee Ermey, USMC (1961-1972)

Celebrities Who Served

Remembering R. Lee Ermey Together We Served is among those remembering R. Lee Ermey, aka ‘Gunny’, famous Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant-turned-Hollywood star. Ermey passed away on April 15 2018, at the age of 74, as a result of complications that arose from pneumonia. Vietnam veteran and character actor R. Lee "Gunny" Ermey joined 700 Veterans as part of the IAVA/Victory Motorcycles presence at the 2014 America's Parade in New York. Ermey died Sunday from complications of pneumonia, his manager Bill Rogin said. The Early Life of Ronald Lee Ermey Ermey developed a reputation for being a strict authoritarian and was eventually typecast as the stern authority figure, but as a youth he was anything but. Born in 1944 in Kansas, Ermey and his family moved to Zillah in central Washington. Ermey was actually arrested twice for criminal mischief. The second time, the judge gave 17-year old Ermey the option of jail or joining the military. Ermey joined the Marine Corps in 1961, serving in...

80th Anniversary of The Pearl Harbor Attack

United Service Organizations

Important Organizations, Other Military Articles

USO Military Support Are you curious about USO benefits and veterans’ care? The United Service Organizations, better known as the USO, has existed for more than 80 years, bringing comfort and support to military service members and their families. The USO works closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) and is chartered by Congress. However, the non-profit organization is not operated by the US government and is in fact private. Together We Served recognizes the superlative efforts that the volunteers and staff of the USO have gone through to ensure that service members and military families receive care to make the burdens they carry a little lighter. USO Centers There are more than 230 USO locations worldwide, though civilians are probably most used to seeing them in major airports. The USO isn’t only present in the United States, though. Centers can be found in places as far-flung as Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Djibouti, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and even Iraq....

Veteran Finder App

Helping Veterans Get a Good VA Home Loan

Important Organizations

How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate for Veterans with VA Home Loans Do you want to know how to get the best mortgage rate for veterans, with VA home loans? VA loans can be a valuable tool for veterans and service members to purchase a home without the need for a sizable down-payment. Typically, lenders ask for a 20% down-payment, but in the case of service-members, it can be difficult to gather that much capital. Luckily, there are alternatives. What Are VA Home Loans? VA loans are financial products that are insured by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. They are available to, among others: The majority of US military veteransActive-duty militaryReservistsMembers of the National GuardSurviving spouses of deceased veterans (who died in service or of service-connected disabilities)Surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity CompensationSpouses of service members who are MIA or POWs As well as often requiring lower down-payments, they typically include lower rates and fees...

Sgt Drew Carey, U.S. Marine Corps (1980-1986)

Celebrities Who Served, World War II

Drew Carey, who served in the US Marine Corps between 1980 and 1986, maybe better recognized as the host of the game show The Price is Right, or for his previous work as host of improv comedy show Whose Line is it Anyway? It might surprise some to learn, however, that his distinctive haircut and glasses are artifacts from his years of service as a Marine. Drew Carey Found Purpose in the Marine Corps Born the youngest of three sons to the Carey family of Old Brooklyn in Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of eight Carey lost his father Lewis to a brain tumor. Due to this, and sexual abuse from a member of his extended family, Carey battled depression throughout his youth. He took up marching band in high school, playing the cornet and trumpet. When he graduated from high school he attended Kent State University, yet he was expelled twice for poor academic performance. He twice attempted suicide by sleeping pills before the age of 25. Leaving college without a degree, he enlisted in the Marine...

Destroyed Military Records. A Disaster with Long-Lasting Repercussions

Cold War Peacetime Warrior by John Beach, U.S. Navy

Cold War, Other Military Articles

Last year I attended another Veteran's Day Program and Ceremony at the Local Area Senior Center. It was as impressive as they all are. But that year, I found out there is a real name for people who spent time in the service between conflicts. Previously, there were ceremonies for WWII veterans, Korean War veterans, Vietnam veterans, Desert Storm, Iran, Iraq, etc. During these times, I had always felt like an outsider and wondered why I was participating as a veteran. Sure, I wanted to honor those veterans who served during these conflicts, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I was also envious of those men and women who wore their uniforms with an array of medals adorning their chests. Or those with jackets and or hats proudly proclaimed which war theatre they participated in or which conflict they so bravely fought and suffered through. Many had patches, which indicated they had served in multiple areas during their years of service. Who Fought in the Cold War? Yes, I...

Sgt Paul Arizin, U.S. Marine Corps (1952-1954)

Celebrities Who Served, Korean War

Paul Arizin, who served in the US Marine Corps between 1952 and 1954, is more commonly known as ‘Pitchin’ Paul’, NBA Hall of Fame member and star player of the Philadelphia Warriors during the 50s. There are no shortage of basketball stars who have built an athletic career after a stint in the military: David Robinson and Mike Silliman are two such men. However, Arizin is notable for not only being one of the first, after the NBA was established in the aftermath of World War II, but also for selflessly serving in the prime of his career. Early Life and Basketball Beginnings: Paul Arizin’s Rise Paul Arizin was born in Philadelphia in 1928, and despite reaching a height of 6 foot 4 inches, failed to make his high school basketball team when he tried out as a senior. He went to La Salle College High School, the same school fellow Hall of Famer Tom Gola went to. Arizin attended Villanova University, studying chemistry, and played Catholic Youth Organization basketball. It was here that...

Michael Caine’s Service In The Korean War (1952-1954)

Celebrities Who Served, Korean War

Michael Caine is one of the most well-known and highly-regarded British actors of the 20th and 21st centuries. He is famous for roles in movies like Zulu, Get Carter, The Eagle Has Landed, The Italian Job, Austin Powers in Goldmember, Christopher Nolan's Batman films, and a host of others spanning an acting career of 70 years. While he has become a household name across the globe, many people don't know about Michael Caine because he served in the British Army and saw combat in the Korean War. It was a harrowing experience for the actor and one that would scar him for many years. Caine's birth name was Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, and he was born in 1933 in South London to a working-class family. Caine's father fought in the Second World War. His family, including the young Maurice (Michael), was evacuated from London due to the risk of bombing by the Luftwaffe. Did Michael Caine Served In Korea? After gaining his School Certificate at the age of sixteen, he worked for a time as a...

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Military Medley

Lt. Henry Fonda, U.S. Navy (1942-1946)

Gary Sinise Foundation

GySgt R. Lee Ermey, USMC (1961-1972)

80th Anniversary of The Pearl Harbor Attack

United Service Organizations

Veteran Finder App

Helping Veterans Get a Good VA Home Loan

Sgt Drew Carey, U.S. Marine Corps (1980-1986)

Destroyed Military Records. A Disaster with Long-Lasting Repercussions

Cold War Peacetime Warrior by John Beach, U.S. Navy

Sgt Paul Arizin, U.S. Marine Corps (1952-1954)

Michael Caine’s Service In The Korean War (1952-1954)

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