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The Christy Collection

Military Stories and Articles

LCDR Curtis J. Smothers, U.S. Navy (1962-1986)

LCDR Curtis J. Smothers, U.S. Navy (1962-1986)

Did Any of Your Children Follow Your Footsteps into Military Service? If so, Which Branch Did They Join, What Career Path Did They Take, and What Were Some of Their Most Notable Achievements?:

A Navy Father and an Army Son. Yes—one of my children did follow my footsteps into military service. My son, Mark, chose a different path, but one just as meaningful. After growing up for 20 years as the son of a Navy man, he decided the Army was the right fit for him. I was serving as an active-duty Navy officer when Mark made his decision. One of the proudest moments of my life came in 1981 at an Army Recruiting Station in Fresno, California, when I had the honor of administering the oath of enlistment to my own son. Watching him raise his right hand and swear to serve our country was a powerful reminder that service is not only a profession, but a legacy.

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MSG Michael N. Caldwell, U.S. Army (1994-2015)

MSG Michael N. Caldwell, U.S. Army (1994-2015)

Did Any of Your Children Follow Your Footsteps into Military Service? If so, Which Branch Did They Join, What Career Path Did They Take, and What Were Some of Their Most Notable Achievements?:

As a Soldier parent I never wanted to pressure any of my children to join the Armed Forces. I stressed education or just a trade. My oldest son needed no persuasion. He was Army or nothing from probably around the 5th grade. When the time came for him to start the exciting process of enlisting, he was hit with an almost impassible obstacle. When he was about seven years old he had an allergic reaction to some fish sticks that he ate. Just slight itching i the throat, but we chose to take him to the emergency room just in case. There was no treatment necessary, but the doctor prescribed an EpiPen. This EpiPen was never used and honestly forgotten about until the Army Recruiter reminded us. Instead of being a lifesaving device, this thing nearly killed my son. When the Recruiter told him that he was medically disqualified my son went into a state of depression that was extremely scary for his mother and I. We didn’t know how to help him.

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ATC Jerry A. Burkholder, U.S. Navy (1974-1994)

ATC Jerry A. Burkholder, U.S. Navy (1974-1994)

Did Any of Your Children Follow Your Footsteps into Military Service? If so, Which Branch Did They Join, What Career Path Did They Take, and What Were Some of Their Most Notable Achievements?:

Let me start by acknowledging my family’s service. My father retired from the Navy having served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Both of his brothers served in the Army. My mom’s brother served in the Army. Two cousins on my mom’s side served, one in the Navy the other in the Air Force. I, myself, was born in a naval hospital at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. I was destined to serve. I retired from the Navy after Vietnam, the Cold War and the first Gulf War. Service is in my family.

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SGT Mark Evans, U.S. Army (1971-1977)

SGT Mark Evans, U.S. Army (1971-1977)

Did Any of Your Children Follow Your Footsteps into Military Service? If so, Which Branch Did They Join, What Career Path Did They Take, and What Were Some of Their Most Notable Achievements?:

My Son, CW2 Mark W. Evans, Jr. started his military career in the Navy as an Aircrew Rescue Swimmer, he had been to Afghanistan and Bosnia in the Navy, and was one of the first to respond when the USS Cole was attacked. After 7 years he decided he wanted to be in the front of the helicopter and switched to the Army, went to Warrant Officer School and Flight School. He chose to fly the Blackhawk. The most notable flight he said was, he got to fly the Washington Redskin Cheerleaders around in Iraq. He had been scheduled to fly Sadam Husain after he was captured but he had accumulated to many hours so he had to hand that flight off.

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SSG Victoria Ryan, U.S. Army (1973-1988)

SSG Victoria Ryan, U.S. Army (1973-1988)

Did You Meet Your Spouse while Serving? How Did Your Story Begin, and What Challenges Did You Have to Overcome in Adjusting to Married Life in the Military?:

In early 1978, during my assignment to West Point, I began dating a fellow enlisted soldier, Rodney Helmers, whom I met while I was serving as Charge of Quarters (CQ) one evening. I had never had someone of Rod’s personality and temperament in my life. He was like a breath of fresh air. To this day, I can honestly say that his kindness, generosity and work ethic were above and beyond any expectations I’d ever had of any man. There was nothing that he would not do for anyone, if it were within his power. Rod’s laid-back, even-tempered and compassionate characteristics set him apart.

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WWII – The Defense of Wake Island

WWII – The Defense of Wake Island

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In December 1941, as Japan ripped across the Pacific, most American outposts collapsed in days. Guam fell between Dec. 8 and Dec. 10 to a larger Japanese landing force after only brief resistance by a small, lightly armed garrison of sailors and Marines. Wake Island was supposed to be another speed bump. Instead, a few hundred Marines, sailors, and civilian contractors turned it into a two-week fight that delivered the first American tactical victory of the Pacific War and a badly needed...

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PFC Ross Andrew McGinnis, U.S. Army (2004–2006)

PFC Ross Andrew McGinnis, U.S. Army (2004–2006)

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On the afternoon of Dec. 4, 2006, a Humvee rolled through the narrow streets of Adhamiya, a tense neighborhood in northeast Baghdad. It was one of hundreds of patrols that had blurred together for the men of 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. The mission that day was the same as it had been for months: show presence, deter sectarian violence, and make it just a little harder for insurgents to own the streets. Ross Andrew McGinnis Grew Up Wanting to Be a Soldier In...

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SSG Victoria Ryan, U.S. Army (1973-1988)

SSG Victoria Ryan, U.S. Army (1973-1988)

Is There a Particular Incident You Can Recall Where a Person You Served with Demonstrated Extraordinary Devotion to Duty or Bravery? Please Describe What Happened and How This Impacted You:

In November 1976, I entered my first reenlistment after a year at Fort Dix and almost two in Hawaii. I chose West Point, NY because my family lived close by and my sister was stationed there as the first female MP assigned to West Point. Debi had entered the military in early 1973 as a way to “follow” our brother, who was then stationed in Germany. She and Bill were very close. I was the eldest, Bill second and Debi was the youngest; there were two years between each of us.

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SFC Elajiah Lynn Oyaski, U.S. Army (1994-2013)

SFC Elajiah Lynn Oyaski, U.S. Army (1994-2013)

Is There a Particular Incident You Can Recall Where a Person You Served with Demonstrated Extraordinary Devotion to Duty or Bravery? Please Describe What Happened and How This Impacted You:

It was a week day in Iraq and our unit had only been in country for about 2 weeks. It was early, about 0330, when the first mortar came in. My 1SG blew her whistle as we all ran for the bunkers. All of us within the company made it to the bunkers except the 1SG and company commander for they were making sure we Soldiers were all in. I was in the middle of the bunker when I heard my company commander’s voice. I looked up to answer his roll call and immediately starting laughing. He asked what I was laughing at and I said, “sir! Did u forget something?” He answered yes as I asked, “where are your pants sir?” Then the other Soldiers looked up and some laughed but some were too shaken up to do so.

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Service Reflections of SGT Troy Horn, U.S. Army (1990-2007)

Service Reflections of SGT Troy Horn, U.S. Army (1990-2007)

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I’ve traced my family history back to the Battle of Hastings – my family has chosen military service for as far back as I have been able to trace. I guess it’s in the blood. But really, my decision to enlist in the Army was deeply shaped by the unwavering support and inspiration from my family and friends. Growing up, I was surrounded by loved ones who valued service, discipline, and patriotism, with many sharing stories of their own experiences or expressing admiration for those who served.

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5 Unsung Heroes of the U.S. Marine Corps

5 Unsung Heroes of the U.S. Marine Corps

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When it comes to famous Marine Corps veterans, everyone remembers Lewis "Chesty" Puller, John Basilone, Sgt. Maj. Daniel Daly, and a slew of other legendary devil dogs. But to celebrate the Marine Corps' 250th birthday, it's important to remember that the Corps has no end of heroes, many of whom fade away further and further with time.  So we don't forget the Marines who fought with distinction, but may not have been as quotable as Chesty, as political as Smedley Butler, or as smart as John...

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Common Myths of the Vietnam War

Common Myths of the Vietnam War

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Myth of the Vietnam War #1: Most Were Volunteers Common belief is that most Vietnam veterans were drafted.  Fact: 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers. 2/3 of the men who served in World War II were drafted. Approximately 70% of those killed in Vietnam were volunteers. Myth of the Vietnam War #2: Fewer Suicides Than Claimed Common belief that the media reported suicides among Vietnam veterans range from 50,000 to 100,000 - 6 to 11 times the non-Vietnam veteran population. ...

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