davidegrogan
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Posts by David Grogan:
Specialist Billy Terrell, U.S. Army – Helping Children Devastated by the Vietnam War
Wars inflict pain and suffering—no one knows that better than Specialist Billy Terrell, U.S. Army. He saw war’s horrors firsthand and even heard a priest reading him his last rights as he lay on the brink of death in a field hospital in Vietnam. Yet Billy and the other members of his unit were able […]
Specialist Jack Murphy, U.S. Army – Saluting Fellow Veterans with a Heartfelt Song
Veterans instinctively understand each other. No matter who they are, where they come from, what their rank was, or what they did in the military, there is an unshakable bond between them. Explaining that bond can be difficult, but some people are gifted in conveying it in ways that help others understand. Specialist Jack Murphy, […]
Lt. Col. John W. Heimburger, U.S. Air Force (Retired) – Staying One Step Ahead of Disaster in Vietnam
Military pilots are a breed apart. They are risk takers and, at least by my standards, fearless. They aren’t satisfied with just getting by—they need to grab life by the reigns and live it on the edge. That description fits Lieutenant Colonel John W. Heimburger, U.S. Air Force (retired), to a tee. From being awarded […]
Petty Officer Second Class Arnold Fernandes, U.S. Coast Guard – From the Aleutian Islands in World War II to the Korean War
The bravery of the men and women in the United States Coast Guard is legendary. They set sail in the most hazardous weather conditions to rescue mariners and migrants at sea and to interdict smugglers trying to bring illegal drugs to our shores. The Coast Guard is also a military service, with ships and crews […]
Staff Sergeant Adam Joseph, U.S. Army – Two Tours In Vietnam Says It All
Adam Joseph in Vietnam Staff Sergeant Adam Joseph has seen a lot in his life. He’s survived two tours in Vietnam and Hurricane Katrina. He weathered both storms with a strong sense of family, a total commitment to his fellow soldiers, and an unwavering faith in God. I’ve spoken to some of the men he […]
Private First Class Sue (Van Meter) Hodge, U.S. Army Cold War Service in the Women’s Army Corps
I met Private First Class (PFC) Sue (Van Meter) Hodge after she read an article about when veterans are permitted to salute the American flag. Sue was ecstatic after learning that because she is a veteran, she can salute the flag she so willingly served as a member of the Women’s Army Corps, or WACs, […]
Salute or Stand During the National Anthem – Part II
Since I wrote Salute or Stand at Attention During the National Anthem on July 17, 2017, I’ve received more questions about what the rules are for veterans saluting the flag of the United States than any other subject. Given that, I thought I would provide a “just the facts” summary of the statutes enacted by […]
How to Plan and Enjoy Your First European Vacation Part 2: Obtaining Your Passport and Visas
In my last travel planning article, I discussed picking the right destination for your trip abroad. Now that you know where you want to go, let’s talk about the next most important step—getting a passport and any required visas. If you already have a passport, now is the time to check to see when […]
CSM Thurman C. Cousins, U.S. Army (Retired) Professional Soldier Through to the Core
I’ve had the honor of interviewing numerous veterans. Many were citizen soldiers, drafted in times of national need and answering our nation’s call. When their tours of duty ended, they returned home and got on with their lives. I could tell right away Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Thurman C. Cousins was different. Battle tested in […]