years old when he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. "It was June of 1951. I had a girlfriend, a good job and a 1942 Ford. I sure didn't want to leave it all behind, but I did." dedicate himself to the work of a soldier. Soon, he discov- ered he liked the work before him as he was fascinated by the technological weapons of the times. He forged some of the best friendships of his life. In fact, it was those friend- ships that helped him survive in even the direst of situa- tions. was burned by the explosion of a land mine, was shot by enemy fire, and was considered missing in action during a mission to bring arms to a forward observer post. enemy started a push and they overran the South Koreans that night. We were left behind. We were hiding in old bun- kers and foxholes, but were never discovered. All we had were pistols." his buddy were able to conceal themselves, but came very close to danger. "We were so close to the enemy that we could have reached up and grabbed one by the leg," he says. James endured, he offers simple, but en- couraging advice for current and future soldiers. your best and it will work out a lot better." the region. Derrick feels prepared for the challenge over- seas. During his training he took part in an event that was intended to prepare him for almost anything in the line of duty, including being shot down behind enemy lines. tured and treated as POWs (prisoners of war). The inspiring part was the fact that it was Vietnam Veterans who were (former) POWs that helped develop the training, and it was humbling to think that what they went through was the `real deal.'" Jessica. Separating from the ones he loves is hard on him. "I deal with the hardship by just staying busy. I also know that what I am doing is affecting others in a positive way." "Both of my grandfathers served in WWII, and I feel a deep gratitude for those who have served before me." |