29desoto
Well-known member
I never realized until the last few years that my personal hero was my father, LTC Dale Sanders USA(Retired). Deceased about a year and a half ago, now. Died a peaceful death in the hospital, loved ones by his side.
That man fought in three major conflicts, and did 27 years from WWII to Viet Nam. Many fathers left for work in the morning and came home at five, my father left for work and came home in a year or so.
I recently brought home his papers and documents from his long career, and even I did not realize the things he had done, and the places he had been.
Trained with the British SAS before WWII, aided them in China.
Fought in WWII, various places.
Korea, the forgotten war. No one wanted it. It was too soon after the "big one".
Trained in the first class of Special Forces. Served in the 11th and 7th Special Forces. 101st and 82nd Airborne. And so on.
I think my meager service during the Viet Nam conflict was the first thing I ever did that he approved of. And I did not approve of it.
We had many ups and downs, but he was always my Dad. Always will be.
So while we have our bar-b-ques, tinker on our cars, and generally enjoy the start of summer, lets don't forget.
Would the present generation put down their X-Box controls, drop their I-Phones, turn off the computer and go to a war like that? I hope I never find out the answer, but history has a way of repeating itself.
Thank one of that generation TODAY! They are fading fast. Don't forget. It's too important.
Here's to you, Dad. You done good. Say "Hi" to Laura for me.
PS - If this is too sentimental for you, I will NOT apologize in any way, shape or fashion. Live with it, and live free!
That man fought in three major conflicts, and did 27 years from WWII to Viet Nam. Many fathers left for work in the morning and came home at five, my father left for work and came home in a year or so.
I recently brought home his papers and documents from his long career, and even I did not realize the things he had done, and the places he had been.
Trained with the British SAS before WWII, aided them in China.
Fought in WWII, various places.
Korea, the forgotten war. No one wanted it. It was too soon after the "big one".
Trained in the first class of Special Forces. Served in the 11th and 7th Special Forces. 101st and 82nd Airborne. And so on.
I think my meager service during the Viet Nam conflict was the first thing I ever did that he approved of. And I did not approve of it.
We had many ups and downs, but he was always my Dad. Always will be.
So while we have our bar-b-ques, tinker on our cars, and generally enjoy the start of summer, lets don't forget.
Would the present generation put down their X-Box controls, drop their I-Phones, turn off the computer and go to a war like that? I hope I never find out the answer, but history has a way of repeating itself.
Thank one of that generation TODAY! They are fading fast. Don't forget. It's too important.
Here's to you, Dad. You done good. Say "Hi" to Laura for me.
PS - If this is too sentimental for you, I will NOT apologize in any way, shape or fashion. Live with it, and live free!
