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Former Army Staff Sergeant, James Lee Spurlock, was 21
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."
After arriving for training, James realized he needed to truly
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.
In separate events during his service in the Korean War, he
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.
"The vehicle we were in broke down," James explains. "The
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."
As the enemy advanced around them, James and
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.
With the tremendous experience that
James endured, he offers simple, but en-
couraging advice for current and future
soldiers.
"Do your best," James shares with a nod. "Do
your best and it will work out a lot better."
In early 2013, Chief Warrant Officer Derrick Ouellette pre-
pares to ship out to Afghanistan for his first tour of duty in
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.
"The training culminates in a scenario where we are cap-
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.'"
Derrick will leave behind an infant son, Davis, and his wife,
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."
"I joined the military out of a sense of service," he explains.
"Both of my grandfathers served in WWII, and I feel a deep
gratitude for those who have served before me."
From one generation to the next,
American soldiers show profound bravery and strength.
By Jennifer Armstrong