Fort Sam Houston Archives - TogetherWeServed Blog

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.

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.

MAJ Scott Meehan, U.S. Army (1980-2005)

VA Military Memories Competition

What Advice Would You Give A New Recruit Just Starting Out Their Military Career?:

When I first signed on the dotted line to join the Army, my plan was simple: serve three years and get out. That changed quickly. Just over a year into my enlistment, I got married and soon had a child with another on the way. Life had shifted, and so had my path. I re-enlisted for an additional four years after receiving orders for an overseas assignment in Berlin.

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

Celebrities Who Served, Cold War

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...

Service Reflections of SSG John Smith, U.S. Army (1976-1996)

Army Reflections, Cold War

PRESERVING A MILITARY LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS The following Reflections represents SSG John Smith's legacy of his military service from 1976 to 1996. 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...

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