Where in the world was Dad? Since it is Veteran’s Day, I was thinking about all the different places Dad was stationed at while he was a US Marine. Since I was young back then, I think I missed a few places the last time I wrote a Veteran’s Day Blog. Of course, I also grew up rarely having a dad at home.
I, also, talked to a friend who remembers her husband, now retired from the Navy, and having to manage the children and other things while he was gone.
Of course, my mom did this too. I remember it being a hard time when things broke including her vintage white car. She had three young kids and not really much money, no nearby friends or relatives, and no phone. So, mom made do and got creative at other times. Note – Like using the Snack Shack’s pay phone to make phone calls taking with her lots of quarters. We never called repairmen to fix anything but waited for Dad to come home.
Where in the World was Dad?
OK, our US Marine Corp Dad was born in central Europe and had an accent when he spoke.
Early in his military career he was stationed in Germany. I remember seeing photographs of him in the snow. In fact, he was given the task of helping those non skiers learn to ski.
He was also on a ship at sea outside of Cuba during the Cuba Missile Crisis ready to go in if needed. Fortunately, things didn’t go that route.
Then at one time he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
In California he spent time at 29 Palms, (note in the desert), Camp Pendelton, and I believe Barstow. Lastly, he might have spent some time in Hawaii. I’m not sure on this last one.
His first tour of Vietnam in the mid 1960’s was in Chu Lai. Then on his second tour of Vietnam, he was gone 13 months in Danang around 1968. I remember putting an “X” through the days on a calendar. Yes, he said he wasn’t sure he was coming back from this place but did. I remember a reporter there took photos of the Marines and the headline read, “Marines at the Front”. I think I still have that newspaper.
Ending Notes
OK, freedom isn’t free, that’s for sure. The only time I remember my dad being home is after he retired. Our family never moved or traveled to be near him; he always came back to us.
And as for the map with today’s blog, yes, he traveled one day to Virginia.
So Happy Veterans’ Days to all the Servicemen and Servicewomen who have made a huge difference in the world.
Thank You for Keeping Us Safe! (Thanks Dad!)