AL JANUARY Photo provided
Al volunteered to join the Air Force, and served from 1967 to 1973. He took electronics and military police training while in the Air Force. In 1968 to 1969, Al was deployed to Korea. While stationed there, he was a liaison officer. He was able to teach spoken English to students ages 10 to 80. He was also stationed in Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, Calif. as a security policeman.
Al joined the Army National Guard in 1973 as a supply sergeant and infantryman. He then joined the Army Reserve in 1984, and took drill sergeant training and worked in food service to complete his military career. He retired in 1995. He had earned 12 different medals and awards by the end of career.
Al and his twin brother, Ed, are participants of the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging, or VETSA. Sometimes the study is in Boston, Mass., and sometimes the study is in San Diego, Calif.
Al is a very proud veteran and has participated in the twice yearly Stand Down event to help veterans in need. He gained a lot of experience and knowledge in the military, and met and worked with some very special and interesting people.
Al likes to attend military ceremonies, and when the person in charge of the ceremony calls out the different military branch veterans when various military theme songs are played, Al is very proud to stand and place his hand over his heart when the Air Force and Army theme songs are played.
Al is a member of the Creswell VFW Post 4039.
We are proud of all of our veterans who have sacrificed so much for us so that we continue to have our freedoms in America.