Juan Sandoval: A life of service

2025-07-20T09:42:44-05:00

At 17-years-old Juan Sandoval was academically bored with high school and looking for a change of scenery so he enlisted in the Marines. For over 50 years his military career offered him plenty of that in hot spots like Bosnia and Iraq. 

Juan Sandoval: A life of service2025-07-20T09:42:44-05:00

Daniel Ehart: A life on pause

2025-07-20T09:34:13-05:00

On September 11, 1965, Daniel Ehart married his sweetheart, Linda, whom he met on a blind date a year earlier.  The couple looked forward to building their lives together, but four years later, the Vietnam War put those plans on pause.  

Daniel Ehart: A life on pause2025-07-20T09:34:13-05:00

Alfred Weedon: A Life of Resilience

2025-09-20T21:30:21-05:00

“I don’t consider I did anything spectacular,” Alfred Weedon insists. But after talking with him, it’s clear that his definition of “just doing what was told of me” involved extraordinary courage and resilience during the Vietnam War.

Alfred Weedon: A Life of Resilience2025-09-20T21:30:21-05:00

Harry Eng: The Army turned his life around

2025-06-15T07:27:25-05:00

Harry Eng graduated from Chicago’s Senn High School with honors and was ready to repeat his academic success as a pre-med student at the University of Illinois. During his sophomore year, however, he switched his major, lost his way, and was invited to take a semester off.

Harry Eng: The Army turned his life around2025-06-15T07:27:25-05:00

James Miller: ‘We had no idea what to expect’

2025-06-15T07:22:03-05:00

Jim Miller's journey is a testament to resilience and the unexpected turns life can take. From the apprehension of being drafted to facing intense combat and a life-altering injury, Jim's story highlights the profound impact of the Vietnam War. 

James Miller: ‘We had no idea what to expect’2025-06-15T07:22:03-05:00

Kenneth Christy: Still seeing shrapnel

2025-06-15T07:18:33-05:00

Kenneth ‘Ken’ Christy lived his life as an adrenaline addict, from breaking horses at the age of 15, being awarded a Silver Star in Vietnam after being in country for 19 days and working as a fire fighter in Indiana. “I’ve always had to have an adrenaline rush.”

Kenneth Christy: Still seeing shrapnel2025-06-15T07:18:33-05:00

Alan Hoeksema: Witness to Friendly Fire

2025-06-14T21:59:33-05:00

Shortly after graduating high school, and having no immediate intentions of going to college, Alan was classified by the selective service as 1-A and upon reaching the age of twenty, Alan received his official “induction letter” to report for military service.

Alan Hoeksema: Witness to Friendly Fire2025-06-14T21:59:33-05:00

Frank Haggerty: Bridge of no return

2025-05-23T19:25:39-05:00

The DMZ -- demilitarized zone -- on both sides of the 38th Parallel ceasefire line was created at the end of the Korean War by pulling back the respective forces 1.2 miles along each side of the line. Located within the DMZ is the “Truce Village” of Panmunjom.

Frank Haggerty: Bridge of no return2025-05-23T19:25:39-05:00

James Cox: Ready to fly

2025-05-09T11:45:22-05:00

By the age of 18, James Cox had never flown in any type of aircraft. Despite that fact, he wanted to fly helicopters so he enlisted in the Army. He was given that opportunity twice in Vietnam.

James Cox: Ready to fly2025-05-09T11:45:22-05:00

Ron Parker: Shake and bake

2025-04-07T10:14:28-05:00

When Ronald “Ron” Parker was drafted into the Army he was assigned to the infantry. He said he loved being an infantryman, even when he served in Vietnam.  So much so that when he became an officer with other options available, he asked to be assigned to the infantry.

Ron Parker: Shake and bake2025-04-07T10:14:28-05:00

Ron Miller: From mine sweeping to autoclaving

2025-04-07T10:06:29-05:00

Ron Miller was born and raised in East Chicago, IN. While in the third grade, tragedy struck the family when their house caught fire and burned to the ground. Ron’s mother was a single mom with three young children.

Ron Miller: From mine sweeping to autoclaving2025-04-07T10:06:29-05:00

Doug Ermel: It couldn’t get any worse

2025-04-07T09:49:55-05:00

Doug Ermel was born December 31, 1948, and narrowly missed being Chicago’s first child of the New Year by a couple of hours. That timing quirk brought his family luck and set the tone years later during his experiences in Vietnam.

Doug Ermel: It couldn’t get any worse2025-04-07T09:49:55-05:00

Frank Gillie Jr.: Memories of War

2024-10-21T11:11:08-05:00

The small black-and-white photograph has faded with time, but now it means even more to Frank Gillie Jr. He picks it up carefully and holds it reverently in his cupped hands, as he shows it to me.

Frank Gillie Jr.: Memories of War2024-10-21T11:11:08-05:00

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
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