Reflections Archives - Page 2 of 46 - TogetherWeServed Blog

Service Reflections of CDR Allen Allegretto, U.S. Navy (1982-2021)

I was proud that my father served in the Army during the Korean War, and my grandfather and several uncles served in the Navy. While attending Penn State University, I learned about an opportunity to join the Navy Nuclear Power Officer Candidate Program (NUPOC). I loved technology, so the idea of serving on a nuclear-powered submarine and learning about all of the technology on board fascinated me. I was excited to join the NUPOC program and was only required to maintain good grades and graduate with an engineering degree. I enjoyed the monthly E5 pay.

Service Reflections of LtCol James J. Davies, U.S. Navy (1965-1996)

Navy Reflections, Vietnam War

I don’t know what drew me to the Navy, but I’ve always had a powerful sense of patriotism and wanted to serve my country in some way. The Vietnam War was heating up during my junior year of high school, and I wanted to quit school so that I could do my part, but my father wouldn’t let me. On June 22, 1965, the day I turned 17 1/2, he did allow me to join the Naval Reserves. I attended drills every Tuesday night and on some weekends until I graduated and reported for active duty on June 22, 1966, at Naval Station, Long Beach, CA.

Service Reflections of MSgt George Fillgrove, U.S. Air Force (1977-1994)

Air Force Reflections, Cold War

My father, whose World War II military service was limited to the Army’s Enlisted Reserve Corps, and my grandfather, a World War I veteran, were major influences. In my family, service to your country was something that was expected of you. Someone on either side of my family had served in just about every major conflict our country has fought. For me, it was just something that I felt called to do — an important goal in my list of life experiences. Besides, I’m from the same hometown as Col. Francis “Gabby” Gabreski. I lived near his brother, went to school with his nieces and nephews, and remember vividly the day he flew over our house. I was hooked forever.

Service Reflections of RM2 Tim Roach, U.S. Coast Guard (1962-1966)

Coast Guard Reflections, Vietnam War

I would give most of the credit for my decision to join the Coast Guard to my uncle. He was in the Coast Guard during WWII and often talked about his experiences while patrolling the beaches on horseback along the New Jersey shores. I was in high school during my senior year in Corpus Christi, Texas, in the fall of 1961. My high school counselor informed me that I would not be able to graduate because I had failed to earn credits in algebra during my ninth-grade year. To put it mildly, I was never a fan of school.

Service Reflections of RM2 Donald Moores, U.S. Coast Guard (1961-1965)

Coast Guard Reflections, Cold War

I grew up in a suburb of Dallas, Texas, and had never heard of the Coast Guard. I had a job, but I had no plans or ambitions. Spent non-work hours with a good buddy who happened to have a friend who was a Coastie. My buddy had an ambition: he wanted to join the USCG and become a radioman (he was a ham radio operator). The Vietnam War was in full swing, plus the Cuban involvement, and guys were getting drafted regularly. So he talked me into joining with him, and the rest is history.

Service Reflections of BMCM Tom Arnold, U.S. Coast Guard (1967-1997)

Coast Guard Reflections, Cold War

I had a neighbor in Santa Ana, CA who went into the CG. My dad was a 20-year Marine, but I chose the CG and am truly glad I did. I know I saved many lives and specifically remember pulling a man from the waters of Jamaica Bay, NY, moments before he went down.

Service Reflections of SGT Julie Bryson Muster, U.S. Army (1972-1998)

Army Reflections, Cold War

Facing a dead-end life with limited opportunities and wanting to break free from my circumstances, I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1987 with a clear vision: to go to college and become someone meaningful. Growing up in challenging conditions from ages 5-12 in group and foster homes in Ohio, with abusive, alcoholic, and addicted parents, I experienced firsthand what it meant to have few options and little encouragement. The Army represented my pathway to transformation – not just a career, but a chance to build the foundation for higher education and personal growth. Military service offered structure, purpose, and the GI Bill benefits that would make college possible. I was determined to use my service as a stepping stone to earn my master’s degree in criminal justice and ultimately create a life of meaning, helping others along the way. The Army wasn’t just an escape from a difficult past; it was my deliberate choice to forge a better future and prove that circumstances don’t define destiny.

Service Reflections of SP5 John Beaumonte, U.S. Army (1966-1968)

Army Reflections, Vietnam War

The Summer of 1966 was a big decision for me to volunteer for the draft. My grades in college weren’t that great, considering I had just completed my freshman year and at 19 was undecided on a major. Feeling the pressure of Uncle Sam coming to get me, I decided to pick my report date of induction rather than continue with deferments. The decision was mine alone.

Service Reflections of SFC Thomas Reid, U.S. Army (2001-2021)

Army Reflections, Global War on Terror

My decision to join the Army was deeply influenced by the legacy of service in my family—especially my father, grandfather, and uncle, all of whom served as Vietnam veterans. Growing up, I saw the strength, discipline, and humility they carried from their time in the military. They didn’t often talk about their experiences, but when they did, it was clear how much serving meant to them and how it shaped who they were. Their sense of duty, sacrifice, and commitment to something greater than themselves inspired me to follow in their footsteps. For me, joining the Army is not just a personal goal—it’s a way to honor their legacy and continue the proud tradition of service in our family.

Service Reflections of LtCol James J. Davies, U.S. Marine Corps (1966-2003)

Marine Reflections, Vietnam War

I was raised to love my country. My military roots go back to the American Revolution on my maternal side. I have always loved history and embraced a love of Country when I was young. Both my father and his father (who immigrated from Wales, UK) were fiercely loyal to the US. I was born toward the end of World War II, so patriotism was high, and this carried through in my education.

Service Reflections of SK1 Richard Lee Wailes, U.S. Navy (1968-1989)

Cold War, Navy Reflections

I joined the Navy because of my family’s military history. My grandfather was drafted into the National Guard in WWI and was one of the original members of the California National Guard 40th Infantry Division., assigned to the 115th Sanatiation Train. He served in France as a Saddler Private caring for horses and was stationed in France from 1917 to 1919. He was then discharged and returned to Colorado and then to Idaho.

Service Reflections of STGC Gary E. Calvin, U.S. Navy (1960-1982)