TogetherWeServed Archives - TogetherWeServed Blog

SPC Vergie Terrell, U.S. Army (2010-2016)

What was your primary Occupational Specialty in the Military? What was the most significant skill you learned and was this useful in your civilian life?

In the military, my primary occupational specialty was as a 25L, which stands for Cable System Installer Maintainer. This role is crucial within the communications field, focusing on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting cable systems that support various communication networks. The responsibilities of a 25L include working with fiber optic and copper cabling and ensuring that communication lines are operational and reliable for mission-critical operations.

Service Reflections of ET3 John Warren, U.S. Coast Guard (1970-1974)

Coast Guard Reflections, Vietnam War

Like so many young men in the late 1960’s and early 70’s, I found myself with a 1A classification in the draft. When the first draft lottery was drawn, my birthday came up number 23. Growing up on Coastal Maryland, I had always been around the water, although had not spent that much time on boats, enough to know that I would rather rock and roll than sleep in a tent. My Dad knew a couple of people, as did I who had gone into the Coast Guard and really enjoyed their duty. Hoping to find myself on small boats possibly in Ocean City, Maryland or Chincoteague, Virginia, I went into the recruiter’s office. I was immediately informed that there was a long wait to get into the Coast Guard, so being between semesters at college, I went to enroll for the spring semester. A couple of days later, my mother called to let me know that someone had backed out and decided not to go into the Coast Guard and that I could go in the next week.

Service Reflections of GySgt Peter Bimonte, U.S. Marine Corps (1984-2004)

Global War on Terror, Marine Reflections

I wish I could say I dreamt of being a Marine since I was a young child, however, that wasn’t the case. In fact, I was well into my senior year at John F. Kennedy Catholic high school before joining the armed services ever entered my mind.
My best friend, Kevin Hendricks, was visiting the local USMC recruiter quite often just to hang out and he asked if I wanted to tag along. It wasn’t long thereafter that I knew the Marine Corps was my ticket out without having to spend 4 more years behind a desk at some faraway college. So it is without a doubt that my recruiter, Sgt Mark Cross was the single most important person who influenced my decision to join the Corps. I’ve heard some real “horror stories” about recruiters but this guy was top-notch and NEVER lied or painted a rosy picture of how things would be in boot camp. For that, I am forever thankful!
In full disclosure, the girls he introduced me to and the beer he bought me didn’t hurt either – Semper Fi, Sgt Cross!

Service Reflections of CW2 Martin Leddy, U.S. Army (1976-2010)

Army Reflections, Global War on Terror

I think it was a series of events. I was influenced by having my college scholarship pulled by the school finance office because they felt my father should pay my way through school. They offered me a full ride, then pulled it before the first day of school. Frustrating.
I went home and found two part-time jobs to help out. Dad had just resigned from the Director of Technical and Vocational Ed at Illinois Central College which he helped found.
Dad had an old Army buddy who had been SF in Vietnam and who was medically retired. He had cancer and came to stay with us for a while. He and I talked a lot about opportunities. I think more than anyone, he influenced my decision to serve. He was truly a great guy.

Service Reflections of Sgt James Holzier, U.S. Marine Corps (1965-1969)

Marine Reflections, Vietnam War

I was influenced by the girl that I was dating, her father was a full-bird Colonel in the Army by the name of Col. Austin Yerks. He felt that with Vietnam, it was a patriotic thing for me to do. I was planning to go into the Air Force with a buddy of mine, but at the truly last minute, I got off the bus and went to a Marine Corps recruiter. Joined on my birthday, August 18th, and never missed not joining the Air Force except for the extra pay that they received for uncomfortable living conditions in Vietnam and their unlimited supply of food.

Service Reflections of QM2 Grady Bullington, U.S. Coast Guard (1965-1969)

Coast Guard Reflections, Vietnam War

I received a Draft Notice and decided that traveling on the water was better than traveling on my feet in the mud.

Service Reflections of CPL Daniel Rousseau, U.S. Marine Corps (1955-1959)

Cold War, Marine Reflections

The movie “Sands of Iwo Jima.” We were twelve-years-old when a friend and I came out of the movie theater and agreed that we would join the Corps together when we were old enough.

In 1955, my senior year in high school, I joined the 99th Special Infantry Company, our local Reserve unit. That is where I was recruited by then SSgt. H. Gene Duncan.

Four Famous Veterans Who Died in 2023

Celebrities Who Served

As we enter the early months of 2024, we find ourselves pondering the significant losses of the past year. At TogetherWeServed, we take a moment to honor the memories of renowned veterans whose departure deeply impacted both the entertainment industry and the U.S. Military community. While the list below may not encompass every notable veteran lost last year, we are grateful for the enduring legacies of those mentioned. Their lives were characterized by rich experiences and unforgettable...

Sgt Elvis Aaron Presley, U.S. Army (1958-1960)

Celebrities Who Served, Cold War

American singer and actor Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), widely recognized as The King of Rock-N-Roll, is the celebrity whose military service is probably best known. He enlisted in the US army at the peak of his career, in 1958, when he was already world-famous and had wide success as a rockabilly and rock-n-roll singer also encompassing other genres, including gospel, blues, ballads, and pop music. Elvis Presley: Birth of the Star Elvis Aaron Presley was born on...

Honoring Sacrifice: Remembering Memorial Day with Together We Served

Other Military Articles, Useful Military Information

Memorial Day is a deeply significant and cherished national holiday in the United States, providing an opportunity for Americans to reflect on and pay tribute to the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces. As we observe this solemn occasion, TogetherWeServed, the largest online community of military veterans and their families, is dedicated to sharing the rich history of Memorial Day, highlighting its distinctions from Veterans Day, and...

Service Reflections of SSgt Charles Stringer, U.S. Air Force (1966-1972)

Air Force Reflections, Vietnam War

I was not able to attend college immediately after graduating from high school and began working as a carpenter for local construction companies. Many of my friends were in similar situations and were considering the military or had already joined. The more I thought about it, the more sensible it became. My lifelong love of airplanes and my private pilot training gravitated me toward the Air Force.

Capt. Kristoffer Kristofferson, U.S. Army (1967-1975)

Celebrities Who Served, Vietnam War

Kristoffer Kristofferson is a retired American singer, songwriter and actor. Among his songwriting credits are "Me and Bobby McGee", "For the Good Times", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and "Help Me Make It Through the Night", all of which were hits for other artists. But considering his family background and his education, Kristofferson seemed destined to become a military officer. The son of an Air Force major general, he served as a captain and helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army during his...

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