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The Christy Collection

Military Stories and Articles

SSG James Walker, U.S. Army (1966-1991)

SSG James Walker, U.S. Army (1966-1991)

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Which song do you connect most to your time in Military service? What specific memories does this song bring back for you?:

Detroit City (I Wanna Go Home) by Bobby Bare. After AIT in November of 1966, we all just knew we were headed to Vietnam. It was a great surprise when 32 of us came down on orders for Korea. Our first reaction was: “Where the hell is Korea?” Korea in 1966 is not like you see today. The 14 months I spent there turned a boy into a man, with increased responsibility coming as the months trudged by. I spent 3 months in the field giving communications support to the ROK army that were looking for North Korean infiltrators. The song “I Wanna Go Home” became our theme song played in every bar and club we went to.

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Cpl Scott Baigrie, U.S. Marine Corps (1989-1993)

Cpl Scott Baigrie, U.S. Marine Corps (1989-1993)

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Which song do you connect most to your time in Military service? What specific memories does this song bring back for you?:

As I reflect on that vivid memory from Operation Desert Storm, it’s as if I’m transported back in time to the harsh and unpredictable environment of the desert. It was a moment that showcased the camaraderie and unity that develops among soldiers during challenging times.
The rain came unexpectedly, a rare occurrence in the arid desert landscape. Droplets fell from the sky, refreshing and cooling the parched earth beneath our boots. We found ourselves seeking shelter under the massive shelter of a 5-ton truck, its sturdy frame providing a makeshift haven from the unexpected downpour.

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SGT Roland Heritage, U.S. Army (2017-2021)

SGT Roland Heritage, U.S. Army (2017-2021)

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In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your subsequent life and career?:

The impact of my military service has been profound, shaping my values, mindset, and approach to various aspects of life. In the following response, I will attempt to encapsulate the essence of this transformative journey within the given word limit. First and foremost, serving in the military instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and commitment. The rigorous training, the demanding physical and mental challenges, and the responsibility entrusted to me all fostered a deep understanding of the importance of discipline in achieving personal and professional goals. This discipline has translated into every facet of my life and career, allowing me to persevere in the face of adversity and maintain a strong work ethic.

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AE2 LaTonya Davison, U.S. Navy (1996-2010)

AE2 LaTonya Davison, U.S. Navy (1996-2010)

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In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your subsequent life and career?:

My 14 years in the Navy afforded me travel to 22 countries and engagement with countless people from all walks of life. I was an aircraft mechanic/electrician pushed beyond fear and doubt that I could do things I’d never done before or do things that a woman is told she can’t do. This picture is from a deployment to Atsugi, Japan, in 2004, when the airplane engine stranded us on the island for 3 days. I was the most junior enlisted on an “all khaki” or E-7 and above detachment, and as the electrician, I was tasked to help the engine mechanic get the bird back in the sky. We made it happen, and I was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal for my contribution to getting the mission back home. That experience, and so many others during enlistment, contributed to the self-confidence I have today.

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SMSgt Josephine Davis-Fogle, U.S. Air Force (1991-2017)

SMSgt Josephine Davis-Fogle, U.S. Air Force (1991-2017)

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In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your subsequent life and career?:

Serving in the military has influenced the way I have approached my life and career in several ways. First, I came from a single family home where my dad was my sole provider from age 12 until I left for basic training at age 18. It was different being a female raised by a dad and all of my friends were raised mostly by moms. I was determined to do great things in life. Once I graduated basic training, I was on full throttle to an amazing career. When I realized I had the opportunity of a lifetime, I made the best of it. The Air Force was giving me money, advancement, training, travel, recreation, education, security and satisfaction and I took full advantage of it. I started off as a Dental Technician. I became a First Term Airmen Center Instructor, an Airmen Leadership School Instructor, and then a Third Tier Recruiter. I then advanced to a Recruiter Flight Chief in charge of 4 offices. This led to me going to the Air Force’s Recruiting School House to be an Instructor Supervisor and the Director of Education. After this assignment, I took on my last job as a squadron Production Superintendent in charge of offices in GA, FL and a portion of SC. This was the epitome of my career.

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Sgt Mona Hemphill-Bellmore, U.S. Air Force (1970-1974)

Sgt Mona Hemphill-Bellmore, U.S. Air Force (1970-1974)

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In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your subsequent life and career?:

I was a shy, timid 18 yr-old high school graduate when I joined the USAF in 1970. I grew up poor and we moved a lot, so I had few friends and didn’t have the self-confidence to join school teams or participate in extracurricular activities. I learned after making it through basic training in summer time at Lackland AFB that I could do a lot more personally than I thought, and that being a part of a team enables you to accomplish much. This knowledge stayed with me throughout my career as an administrative specialist in military service, as well as civilian life, helping me gain confidence and the admiration, respect and trust of coworkers and supervisors.

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SSgt Kevin Hunt, U.S. Air Force (1987-2008)

SSgt Kevin Hunt, U.S. Air Force (1987-2008)

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In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your subsequent life and career?:

Prior to my military service, my patriotism revolved around a flag and enjoying the American and military-specific holidays with my family. I didn’t have parents or grandparents who had served in the military to reflect upon. Having served 20 years in the USAF and Desert Shield and Desert Storm, my patriotism and love of this country has no end. I now have 4 flagpoles, stick flags, a solar-powered-led flag, indoor pictures, and clothing representing America, the USAF, and Desert Shield and Desert Storm. It was an honor to serve my country and I’m proud to continue that honor as a veteran.

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OS1 Chris Walgenbach, U.S. Navy (2004-Present)

OS1 Chris Walgenbach, U.S. Navy (2004-Present)

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Of all the military operations you participated in, including combat, humanitarian or peacekeeping operations, which of these made a lasting impact on you and why?:

My volunteer time for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) is the one lasting impact that really stands out. I was working at an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in California, and the agency was looking to fill two Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) spots for one of their missions. I and a friend of mine that worked at the same command, a GM2, stepped up and were selected.

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CPT Scott Clark, U.S. Army (1965-1968)

CPT Scott Clark, U.S. Army (1965-1968)

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Of all the military operations you participated in, including combat, humanitarian or peacekeeping operations, which of these made a lasting impact on you and why?:

It was 1967. I was assigned to Charlie Battery of the 2/20 Aerial Rocket Artillery (ARA) Battalion attached to the 1st Air Cav Division (Airmobile) in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. As an aviation officer, I had command of a section of two attacks Huey helicopters, each equipped with 48 very lethal rockets. We had just received a fire mission that plotted out in the middle of the dense jungle between three small mountains. What we didn’t know at the time was that the jungle hid a North Vietnamese division with anti-aircraft batteries on top of each mountain.

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SP4 George McDaniel, U.S. Army (1969-1970)

SP4 George McDaniel, U.S. Army (1969-1970)

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Of all the military operations you participated in, including combat, humanitarian or peacekeeping operations, which of these made a lasting impact on you and why?:

Why do I jerk back? Why am I startled? Our minds are incredible, aren’t they? How can something so small and lightweight store memories for years and suddenly spark muscles to react without our thinking of doing so? Day after day, I’m fine, so I’m surprised when my brain responds due to events in Vietnam in 1969. For example, I was having dinner with a friend at a restaurant. Suddenly, a fan nearby made a loud noise. I flinched, teeth clinched, my shoulders, neck, and head arching backward. Just as suddenly, the noise was gone. I started to explain, but he kept on talking as if he hadn’t noticed a thing, so I didn’t.

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Sgt Allen Rogers, U.S. Marine Corps (1967-1971)

Sgt Allen Rogers, U.S. Marine Corps (1967-1971)

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Of all the military operations you participated in, including combat, humanitarian or peacekeeping operations, which of these made a lasting impact on you and why?:

I arrived in Vietnam in January 1969 as an aircraft electrician for CH-46 helicopters in HMM-265. I became a ‘door-gunner’ in February and started flying on combat missions. I flew combat missions for several months. On the sixth of August, I flew a total of 26 separate combat missions that hectic day. For that, and the fact that we had received enemy fire, I received my “Air Medal” and ‘earned’ my Combat Air Crew wings.

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SP4 Tom Hirst, U.S. Army (1969-1971)

SP4 Tom Hirst, U.S. Army (1969-1971)

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Of all the military operations you participated in, including combat, humanitarian or peacekeeping operations, which of these made a lasting impact on you and why?:

Somewhere in Cambodia during “Operation Rock Crusher” courtesy of President Nixon’s planned “Incursion” in May/June 1970, the 1st Cavalry Division’s Charlie Company 1/12th is set up in its “Night Defensive Position” in a thicket just off a sandy, well traveled road. After setting up our “perimeter” and “automatic ambush” to cover the approach of the road, we settled down for the night.

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