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Editor:
On Oct. 1, the 35th Infantry Division World War II veterans met for their annual reunion in Kansas City, Mo. Veteran Army majors from the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, met with these distinguished World War II veterans and shared experiences both old and new.
One such discussion was with Robert Holmes and his daughter Eileen Schneider. I sat with Robert and his daughter for the majority of my time with these distinguished men and their families. Robert, at 96 years of age, reminded me of my own father who served in World War II as he shared with me his and his family’s experiences.
Robert was drafted during World War II and was offered a promotion from private to first sergeant to stay in the service after the bombs were dropped in Japan. Robert, in spite of such a large promotion — unheard of in today’s Army — left the service.
Robert’s time in the service was clearly an important time in his life and symbolized a significant chapter in his life story. His devotion at his age to attend these events and the pride he and his daughter clearly shared as they told me stories about their family members who had served or continue to serve in the armed forces are most likely the qualities that drew me to them in the lobby. It’s not uncommon for me to see veterans of Robert’s caliber affect those around them in such a positive manner and influence others by example alone to join the service or just to aspire to be better people.
Like Robert, Eileens’s immediate family was equally honorable. From her husband, a Marine, to her son, an Army sniper, she laughed as she recalled a conversation among her father, husband and son regarding which was better, the Marine Corps or the Army.
Her father, Robert, told her husband, in jest, that only real service members deploy outside the United States and because he was based only in the U.S., he hadn’t served. Similiarly, her husband was quick to point out to her son that before his deployment, he was sent to Camp Lejeune, N.C. — a Marine camp — to train, implying that only Marine training would properly prepare the Army sniper.
This is all too common “ribbing” that I have experienced and even indulged in my 17 years between Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
On a separate note, I recall Eileen’s look of concern as she relived her worry when her son told her of his missions in as much detail as he is authorized. Her concern was gone quickly, however, because her years of experience as a Marine spouse and Army mother have taught her to keep a positive outlook.
I’ve seen the same expressions and had near verbatim discussions with my own mother and with my Soldiers’ family members. The brave men and women who are left behind supporting the troops during deployments and stay by our side as we go to reunions revisiting the past are absolutely irreplaceable. They should all know that they are appreciated for all the support they have given over the years.
In case one was missed, I’d like to be sure to thank them as a Soldier. Their support has meant the difference in every way now just as it did for my new friend Robert and all of his friends at arms from the 35th Infantry Division.
Maj. Charlie Wilson
Fort Leavenworth
Editor:
On Oct. 1, the 35th Infantry Division World War II veterans met for their annual reunion in Kansas City, Mo. Veteran Army majors from the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, met with these distinguished World War II veterans and shared experiences both old and new.
One such discussion was with Robert Holmes and his daughter Eileen Schneider. I sat with Robert and his daughter for the majority of my time with these distinguished men and their families. Robert, at 96 years of age, reminded me of my own father who served in World War II as he shared with me his and his family’s experiences.
Robert was drafted during World War II and was offered a promotion from private to first sergeant to stay in the service after the bombs were dropped in Japan. Robert, in spite of such a large promotion — unheard of in today’s Army — left the service.
Robert’s time in the service was clearly an important time in his life and symbolized a significant chapter in his life story. His devotion at his age to attend these events and the pride he and his daughter clearly shared as they told me stories about their family members who had served or continue to serve in the armed forces are most likely the qualities that drew me to them in the lobby. It’s not uncommon for me to see veterans of Robert’s caliber affect those around them in such a positive manner and influence others by example alone to join the service or just to aspire to be better people.
Like Robert, Eileens’s immediate family was equally honorable. From her husband, a Marine, to her son, an Army sniper, she laughed as she recalled a conversation among her father, husband and son regarding which was better, the Marine Corps or the Army.
Her father, Robert, told her husband, in jest, that only real service members deploy outside the United States and because he was based only in the U.S., he hadn’t served. Similiarly, her husband was quick to point out to her son that before his deployment, he was sent to Camp Lejeune, N.C. — a Marine camp — to train, implying that only Marine training would properly prepare the Army sniper.
This is all too common “ribbing” that I have experienced and even indulged in my 17 years between Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
On a separate note, I recall Eileen’s look of concern as she relived her worry when her son told her of his missions in as much detail as he is authorized. Her concern was gone quickly, however, because her years of experience as a Marine spouse and Army mother have taught her to keep a positive outlook.
I’ve seen the same expressions and had near verbatim discussions with my own mother and with my Soldiers’ family members. The brave men and women who are left behind supporting the troops during deployments and stay by our side as we go to reunions revisiting the past are absolutely irreplaceable. They should all know that they are appreciated for all the support they have given over the years.
In case one was missed, I’d like to be sure to thank them as a Soldier. Their support has meant the difference in every way now just as it did for my new friend Robert and all of his friends at arms from the 35th Infantry Division.
Maj. Charlie Wilson
Fort Leavenworth
