Whenever someone mentions the first time men walked on the moon, it takes me back to the few weeks we were home before Guy headed for Vietnam.
The Vietnam War was in the background while we were in college, and Guy knew he’d be drafted shortly after graduation in 1966. He wanted to join the Air Force. After learning about their delayed enlistment, he signed up that spring. We were married and graduated in May/June 1966. He went active that August–basic training (San Antonio, Texas) and Air Traffic Control tech school (Biloxi, Mississippi).
The graduating airmen could request their next assignment. Guy asked to go west. When he called to let me know where we’d be moving, I guessed every state I could before finally asking “Idaho?” Yes, Idaho! We were at Mountain Home two years and two months and loved it. Guy was assigned to a TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control), meaning radar only.
As soon as we bought a VW bug so we could afford gas to reach the west coast, and finally got a phone installed in the trailer, Guy got orders for Vietnam.
Whenever someone mentions the first time men walked on the moon, it takes me back to the few weeks we were home before Guy headed for Vietnam.
At 7:25 a.m. on July 29, Guy left for Travis AFB, Fairfield, California, from the Des Moines airport. He was eventually stationed at Nha Trang, South Vietnam.
Because his father died the next spring, Guy returned home before his year was up. His enlistment was nearly finished, too, so he was discharged at Offutt AFB, near Omaha, Nebraska, at the end of May, 1970.
Guy was glad to serve in the US Air Force, thankful not to carry a gun in the jungles of Vietnam, thankful that they had trained him for a career he enjoyed with the FAA.
Because he wasn’t in the heavy fighting in Vietnam, we didn’t expect him to succumb to a disease due to exposure of Agent Orange. For the last half dozen years, my faithful veteran has lived with Parkinson’s Disease. We are so blessed, though, having been married 60 years and still in our own home.
I’m especially thankful for my Favorite Guy this Veterans Day.
—–
Guy is a member of the American Legion, but not of a local post, so I didn’t suppose he’d ever receive an Honor Quilt, a special keepsake usually awarded at a Legion meeting for military service.
Judy Schild was my roommate in college. Guy and I were in Judy and John Schild’s wedding, and they were in ours about six months later. Judy has quilted for years but I didn’t realize she is also a representative for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. When she learned Guy didn’t have one, she was delighted to make it happen.
So many things to celebrate this November 11th – a long marriage to your valorous veteran. And the quilt! 😀
You are so right, Marian. Thanks!
Thank you for your service, Guy, from a grateful Canadian 🇨🇦. Keeping the world safe knows no boundaries. You and Joy are on my prayer list. God confuses me sometimes. Why someone who serves humanity ends up with Parkinson’s Disease is one of the most confusing things.
Thank you, Gail. And how does a man with Parkinson’s still find things to thank God for! This misery plus gratefulness thing is so amazing.
PS. The quilt is beautiful and well-deserved.
Thank you, Gail. And made by a friend!
Beautiful and heart warming that your Guy got his quilt, Joy! ❤️🩵❤️
Thank you, Lori. A treasure for his son and granddaughter!
What a lovely story, Joy. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you, John.
😊
Thanks to Guy for his service.
Thank you, Bob!
Please thank Guy for his service.
I will. Thanks, Liz!
You’re welcome, Joy. 😊
HIs quilt is well-earned, and I am so happy he received it in honor of his service. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks so much, Diana!
I’m glad your favorite Guy got a quilt. I’m glad the Air Force trained him for a future career. And I’m so glad he came home to you.
Me too! Thank you, Janet.
Guy made very wise choices during a tumultuous time for young adults. God bless him! The quilt is absolutely beautiful. 😁🇺🇸
Thank you, Nancy.
That quilt is amazing, and what a treasure. My hubby was in the British military when I met him. He was stationed at a NATO base in Canada near where I lived. He returned to the UK, left the army and immigrated to Canada. In January, we will have been married for 50 years!
Thanks for sharing your delightful history, Darlene!
Thank you for your service, Guy! Wishing you both blessings now and in the years to come! Beautiful quilt!!!
Thanks so much, Linda!
It’s so nice that you acknowledge Guy’s service, Joy, wonderful that you’ve been married so long. It’s good that he did so well in his service. When I learn that he was stationed at San Antonio it reminds me that I was stationed there late in 1968 and a bit of early 1969 for medical training. I hope the health of you and Guy is as good as possible. ❤️🙏
Thanks so much. Happy Veterans Day to you, Tim!
You’re welcome, Joy, 😍 My wife is making Veterans Day special for me.