Since that's what today is about . . . I thought we'd start a thread for all Gators who either served in the military, have family who served in the military or were first responders. I know of several off the top of my head. My dad served in the Korean War and for 8-years I was a patrol officer, then sergeant, then acting lieutenant with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department (Memphis). Who else?
My dad was a very young Lieutenant in South Pacific during WW2. I was drafted into the US Army and served in Korea from 1967-69. Earned Sgt E-5 stripes after 16 months of service. My Great Grandfather was a Captain in the Florida Regiment for the CSA. Grandfather volunteered for both wars but, turned down because of his age. He served as head of the ration board for Citrus County during one war: can’t recall which.
My dad, who passed away last December, was a WWII veteran. I served in the Air Force (1991 - 2002). My son served in the Air Force and is currently in the reserves.
My brother and I served in the Marines. My 2 son-in-laws served in the Army Special Forces, My oldest grandson is currently a DI at Ft, Jackson. My 2 oldest granddaughters are married to a Marine.
Served 8 years. 4 Active. 4 Reserve Presidential Honor Guard Forward Observer 3rd Battalion 7th Marines Grandfather fought in Korea Brother was a jarhead Younger brother was too weak and joined the Army FIL was a Navy pilot for 20
Hey, all. I was at the Naval Academy from 72-76 and upon graduation was commissioned in the USMC. My MOS was artillery and got out in 81. Duty stations included 29 Palms, Okinawa and Quantico. My Dad was a Navy pilot in the south Pacific during WW II.
Mom and Dad - US Navy - WWII and Korea...... Dad passed in '68........Mom still with us at 100....good genes!
My brother and I served in the Air Force. I started in the Army before switching over. 21 years combined Army enlisted, Air Force enlisted, and Air Force commissioned for me. As a civilian I support the Space Force and my brother supports the Navy. My dad was Air Force. My grandfather was Army Air Forces. My aunts and uncles were all Air Force for 21-22 years. My cousins are all Navy just now reaching 20 years of service.
My incredible dad joined the U.S. Navy at 16 along with his 17yo brother. He completed basic training in San Diego CA in November of 1945. He had duty stations all up the east coast, Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay. He retired from the Navy after 25yrs of dedicated service. He then transitioned to Civil Service and retired from there after 25yrs. I owe everything I am to him and my loving mother. He taught me about discipline, dedication, loyalty, honesty and hard work. My mom instilled manors, heart and how to be a good person. I was the luckiest kid ever!
-My son is currently serving in the Army on airborne status with 18th Abn Corps - I served as a staff sergeant in the Army in Iraq and Panama - older brother, first sergeant and warrant officer, Iraq and Afghanistan -oldest brother, retired as LTC, Iraq -my Dad was an Army corporal in Korea - grandfather was an Army corporal served on D-Day - way back grandfather served with Washington in the Revolution Everyone in my family is Army…. I don’t give a crap where you served or what your job was, I’ll buy you a beer for standing up and doing your part. Below is a picture of one of the most memorable days of my life. In July of ‘22, I had the honor or doing a water jump from a C47, with the original anchor line cable, that made airborne passes over D-Day and and Holland during Operation Market Garden (The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far). My son was the door jumper (that’s him going out the door), I was number 2 jumper, and my old roommate (whom was my jump buddy on my first division jump) was #3 jumper….Best. Day. Ever. I landed in the water and some family fished me out of the water and handed me a beer.
I was not assigned to 1st SOW, but as a maintainer at 16 MXS (and still after PCA to 46MXS), I did work avionics systems for that wing.
Our own George “Mr Two Bits” Edmonton was a wwii navy fighter pilot in F6F Hellcats. He told me he flew the night fighter variant. Great man, Great Gator!!! As for myself, I was Rio in F-14 Tomcats! Fly Navy!
