Tag Archives: Viet Nam

Catherine’s Story: Military Spouse (Part 3 of 4)

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What did you learn to eat that you didn’t eat before entering the military life?

Grits. I always eat them with our eggs to this day!

What habit did you learn in the mlitary and still do?

I learned to pack efficiently and in a hurry!

Any Friends do you remember? Do you still keep in touch?

Yes, I made many new friends. However, we did not keep in touch. My husband’s family welcomed me into their home and were are all very close.

Missing home–how did you cope?

I was never away from my home for long, we decided on a plan of making a new life after my husband’s service time, that I would keep my job and save up for a house.

How did military life change you for better? For worse?

Dancers in Hawaii from my time there.

I shall never forget when I lived in an apartment next to a group of marines. We were not married at this time. He lived on base. President Nixon had just closed Hanoi, North Vietnam ports. Those Marines cheered! I watched some tanks roll down the streets, and what people knew about this, lined the sides of the streets cheering. We all felt it in the air–that the war had a chance of finally ending. And it did, sadly, not to what Americans hoped for.

I never even knew at the time that Russia and China were using those Nam ports to arm the communist soldiers. I learned a lot in Hawaii about the Vietnam War and will never forget this. I think fake news really began its conception back in the 1970’s.

How do you think the military life affect your kids?

My children and grandchildren have learned from our experiences during the Nam era.

Would you advise your kids to join the military?

If they feel God prompting them to do so, I would not stand in their way. However, my grandchildren do not endorse President Biden, so I doubt this will happen.

Thank you, Catherine! Stay tuned for Part 4!

Catherine’s Story: Military Spouse (Part 1 of 4)

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What Branch of Service and When?

My husband, James was in the Navy for four years, as a Cryptologic Technician, E-3. He is retired now.

Where You Able to Have a Career While He Served

I was able to work as a Purchasing Agent while my husband served.

How Long Have You Been Married?

We have been married for 50 years. We were married for a year when my husband served in Naval Intelligence during the Vietnam era. During the last six months of his duty, he was stationed on the Ticonderoga and was involved in the historical event when the Apollo 15 astronauts David R. Scott, Alfred Wordeo, and James Irwin splashed down successfully after twelve days from their moon landing mission.

How Did You Deal with Fear/Stress of deployment?

My husband was well protected due to his naval status. He was not allowed to go to Nam during his four years.

During the Viet Nam era, everyone had a limited time of duty. Navy was four years; Army was two years. It was not like World War I and II when your service man had to stay in duty until the war’s end and my husband was not in a war zone.

Best Advice to Give a Young Spouse with Kids?

Write letters and send photos. Calls might not be possible but letters are the lifeblood of every serviceman as it is yours.

Best and/or Worst Thing About Being a Military Spouse and Why?

The lost time together. it is hard to plan for your future when part of you is deployed in another part of the world.

Where did You and Your Spouse Live Before He Joined the Service? Where Do You Live Now?

My husband was from Birmingham, Alabama and I was from Warren, Michigan. Now we live in Addison Twp., Michigan.

Were You Ever Stationed with Your Spouse During His Military Career?

I stayed with my husband for a couple of weeks first in Hawaii, and later, when we were married, in San Diego.

What Did You Do to Make Your New Quarters “Home?”

I brought throw rugs and lots of pictures ot make the apartment and our bungalow more “homey.”

What Traditions Did You Continue No Matter Where You Lived?

Going to church and enjoying date times.

Duty Stations: Best and Worst.

Our favorite place to live was San Diego. It was a little bungalow that was close to the beach. We had a Christian family which really made us feel at home.

Favorite Memory

When he was stationed in Hawaii I got to see many off-tourist sites. For instance, the place the Japanese flew over to bomb Pearl Harbor. There was a huge white cross erected in its place. I remember feeling like an ant staying next to that. I also watched many natives do impromptu dances. They were so talented! I could never sway my hips the way they can.

Thank you for sharing Catherine! Stay tuned for part 2 of 4 of this interview!