Jerry enlisted in the Navy when he was 17. It was the smartest thing he could have done at the time. His hometown had a pulp mill, all his friends were going to work there. He knew he could do better. His mother signed the papers for him to enlist and he served 23 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in the anti submarine warfare division. He loved the Navy, he said they were the best years of his life. Today is Veteran’s Day in America, a wonderful recognition of all the active and retired military in our country. As well as the fine men and women who gave their life for our country. 🇺🇸
A good choice your Jerry made Lou Ann....he saw the world instead of staying home.....so much experience in life & then the good fortune to meet you...a lucky man indeed!
Lovely portrait of this happy young man, the pulp mill would not have been my choice either, clearly Jerry did do the right thing otherwise you would never have met:)
jerry is a rather handsome young man, wasn't he! his choice in life had been good. please convey my thanks to him for his service. my cousins and nephews and nieces were in the USN, too. nobody in my immediate family joined the military. my two brothers were frail when they were young, my older brother cannot travel on the bus without throwing up until he was in his mid-20s and my youngest brother is autistic. my sisters were all delicate. i had wanted to enlist but my mother forbade it, as did my father (what it she gets raped! my father was a fatalist, you see). i knew i had it in me, but although the americans were taking in women by the time i was old enough, i wouldn't have passed the height requirement of 5.2 feet.
I always enjoyed Veterans Day and thought it was a great idea to honor the military. I guess the celebrations this year would have been low key. Hope you spoiled Jerry for a day and think sharing his picture is a lovely tribute.
