Donald Hendrick: Guns and Choices

2024-09-20T21:15:14-05:00

Donald Hendrick, born in 1948, grew up in The Cabrini Green complex. He was the youngest of four children. The exposure to gangs and guns did not make for a warm fuzzy childhood.

Donald Hendrick: Guns and Choices2024-09-20T21:15:14-05:00

Mike Ahasic: A gut-wrenching experience

2024-09-20T21:12:18-05:00

During his first two years of service, Army life was pretty good for Mike Ahasic. Everything changed during his third year, however, when he served in Vietnam. More than 50 years later, his emotions are still raw.

Mike Ahasic: A gut-wrenching experience2024-09-20T21:12:18-05:00

Don Ehrhart: An Unexpected Story

2024-09-20T21:04:36-05:00

Upon graduating from high school, Don Ehrhart visited his local Navy recruiter and enlisted in July, 1968, deferring his reporting day to October. Don worked with his father who had a construction business and completed his testing and the required physical examination. 

Don Ehrhart: An Unexpected Story2024-09-20T21:04:36-05:00

Ivan Lee White: Falling in love with flying

2024-09-23T08:44:30-05:00

Ivan Lee White was born in 1943 while his dad served in the Army overseas. As he and his younger brother later learned, his dad fought in Europe with General George Patton’s Third Army.

Ivan Lee White: Falling in love with flying2024-09-23T08:44:30-05:00

Donald Taylor: How sweet it is

2024-09-20T20:57:21-05:00

Don was the DJ in Qui Nhon and his sign-on slogan on the Music Machine show was, “How sweet it is! Hello out there in Qui Nhon Land!” Qui Nhon was one of the six areas in Vietnam that broadcasted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Donald Taylor: How sweet it is2024-09-20T20:57:21-05:00

Michael Embrey: Dedicated to making a difference

2024-09-21T11:05:58-05:00

Once he realized he was being drafted, Michael followed the lead of a few friends and auditioned for the Air Force military band. They didn’t have an opening then, so he started basic training at a temporary base in Amarillo, Texas.

Michael Embrey: Dedicated to making a difference2024-09-21T11:05:58-05:00

Jerry Zabel: ‘My Way of Paying Back America’

2024-08-24T22:06:38-05:00

Jerry Zabel was born in 1947 just outside of Munich, Germany. His mother and father, who met shortly after World War II while working at a clothing factory, were both survivors of the Holocaust; having endured life in concentration camps at the forefront.

Jerry Zabel: ‘My Way of Paying Back America’2024-08-24T22:06:38-05:00

Dr. Richard Lee: Chance, Leadership, and Pride

2024-08-24T21:12:59-05:00

Dr. Richard Lee was sure of one thing as he shipped out for Vietnam in May of 1969. “I knew I was going to die,” he says with the calm, matter-of-fact assurance of a seasoned clinician accustomed to facing hard truths.

Dr. Richard Lee: Chance, Leadership, and Pride2024-08-24T21:12:59-05:00

Denise Kennedy: A Nurse in the Army

2024-08-24T21:09:39-05:00

It was a childhood plagued with asthma and multiple hospital stays that first put the thought of nursing into Denise O’Leary Kennedy’s head. She saw so many nurses during those early years she couldn’t help but admire them.

Denise Kennedy: A Nurse in the Army2024-08-24T21:09:39-05:00

Ron Wills: Propelled to Serve

2024-08-24T21:04:57-05:00

Ronald “Ron” Wills was born and raised in Saybrook, a small town in Central Illinois where Ron’s father farmed while his mother raised Ron, his brother and three sisters, and helped run the machinery with the best of them. 

Ron Wills: Propelled to Serve2024-08-24T21:04:57-05:00

Donald Clarke: Fighting for America

2024-08-24T20:55:58-05:00

Donald Clarke was born near Boston in 1948 and grew up next to the Revere Beach amusement park and boardwalk. His family has a strong history of fighting for the United States.

Donald Clarke: Fighting for America2024-08-24T20:55:58-05:00

Don Ramsbottom: ‘Send him to Vietnam’

2024-07-29T21:36:33-05:00

Growing up as the youngest in his family, Donald “Don” Ramsbottom learned how to leverage speed and agility to excel. These traits proved invaluable during his service in the Vietnam War.

Don Ramsbottom: ‘Send him to Vietnam’2024-07-29T21:36:33-05:00

Lloyd Busse: A Humble Hero

2024-07-21T22:02:06-05:00

A U.S. Army helicopter dangled precariously over the battlefield. Wounded soldiers needed help. Right Now. Speed was critical. But every time the pilot tried to touch down fierce enemy gunfire erupted.

Lloyd Busse: A Humble Hero2024-07-21T22:02:06-05:00

John Wander: Taking Care in South Korea

2024-07-21T21:42:36-05:00

John Wander was born in 1941 and raised in Downers Grove. His parents were both the children of immigrants, and they both faced significant challenges when they were growing up.

John Wander: Taking Care in South Korea2024-07-21T21:42:36-05:00
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