Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Sunday, November 11, 2012
VETERANS ETERANS DAY AY
SALUTE In honor and remembrance of those who served our country.
Easy ways to honor local veterans Veterans Day is an annual holiday when veterans of the armed forces are honored and celebrated in the United States. Many people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day. While both days honor members of the armed forces, there's a distinction between the two holidays. Memorial Day, which is celebrated in May, is a day designated for remembering servicemen and servicewomen who died while serving. Veterans Day, which is observed in November, honors all military veterans.
• V isit hospitalized veterans. Unfortunately, many veterans are hospitalized after suffering an injury during a tour of duty. These veterans sacrificed their physical well-being to protect our way of life, and many spend extended periods of time in the hospital. Visiting a hospital to get to know a veteran and spend some time with him or her, sharing a few laughs and thanking them for their service, is a great way to celebrate the holiday and lift a veteran's spirits at the same time. Recruit friends and family members to visit hospitalized veterans as well.
• Pay for a veteran's night out on the town. Like many people, veterans appreciate an escape from the daily grind. Men and women who want to show their appreciation to veterans can treat a veteran to a night out on the town. Have extra tickets to a ballgame or play? Donate them to a local VFW. Or if you see a veteran out on the town, offer to pay for his meal. • T hank businesses who support veterans. Many businesses show their gratitude to veterans by offering them free services on Veterans Day. When a local business shows its appreciation to veterans, patronize that business and let them know you appreciate their efforts to help.
The role of the brave men and women who serve in the military is an important one, and it's one that warrants appreciation and celebration. The following are a few easy ways to celebrate veterans and their significant contribution to our country this Veterans Day. • O ffer your thanks. Serving in the military can feel like a thankless job, as those who have not served might not be aware of the risks men and women in the military take and the sacrifices they must make to protect our country and help the less fortunate across the globe. As a result, something as simple as saying "Thank you" to a current service member or military veteran can go a long way. Veterans know they don't serve in vain, but it's still a great idea to let them know how much you appreciate their efforts and sacrifices. • Help families of active military. Many service members are currently stationed and serving overseas, and their families back home may need or just appreciate a helping hand. Invite family members of active military over for dinner, offer to do chores like cutting the grass or shoveling the driveway when it snows or help around the house if something needs fixing. Even if families of active members serving overseas appear to be getting along great, offer your friendship and let them know you're there to help should anything arise.
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Tom Lufkin of Lewiston, a Korean War veteran, looks for the name of his grandson on one of the memorial stones at Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston.
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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, November 11, 2012
Air Force pathway to opportunities for Alanna Gallagher By Dan Marois Feature Writer For Alanna Gallagher, joining the service was a pathway to opportunities. “I joined the military to travel, help pay for college, and to serve my country after 9/11,” said Gallagher. “I also wanted to gain life experiences.” For her mother, Catherine Ryder, Gallagher's interest in the military was sudden and unexpected. “To put it simply – I was in shock. Alanna had never mentioned an interest in the military, and then one day shortly before graduation, she came home from school announcing that she was going to head off to basic training in August of that summer. I was proud but anxious,” said Ryder, who is the executive director for Tri-County Mental Health Services based in Lewiston. “I took it one day at a time and decided that what I needed to do was to support her on this journey.” Gallagher celebrated her 10th year of military service in August 2012. She’s served active duty in the United States Air Force and as a staff sergeant in the Maine Air National Guard. Her assignments brought her to Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. as well as two short tours in Iraq, one in Balad and another in Kirkuk. “Although they were short tours, I got to feel like I was truly helping my country. I also got to see some of the things first hand. Just seeing how appreciative the Iraqi people were to have us there to help made me feel better about being there,” said Gallagher. Her deployments to Iraq were difficult for her mother.
Alanna Gallagher celebrated 10 years of military service in August 2012. “To me, everything about being in the military is rewarding. The pride of serving my country, the friends I have made, the life lessons I have gained, and the pride I have in myself for making it through 10 years of service,” said Gallagher. “I’m also proud that I come from a family where both of my grandfathers and my brother served in the military.” Gallagher’s younger brother, Colin, served in the Army Infantry as a striker in Baghdad. “He was on the front lines, very dangerous work,” said Ryder.
“Honestly, I was terrified. I think I lived in denial most of the time she was there. I refused to watch the news or read the paper fearful that any commentary on lost lives would leave me with my insides turned out. I talked with her more frequently than I expected, but really just prayed that she would return safely and whole in every way.”
“I know how blessed I was to have both of my children arrive home safely, and am constantly aware of the losses others have experienced,” said Ryder. “I have made a commitment to do whatever I can to support those who have served and will continue to serve, as well as the families who have supported them.”
Today, Gallagher is a licensed massage therapist and a medical assistant, while continuing to serve in the Air National Guard.
As for Gallagher’s record of achievement, Ryder simply said, “I am incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and all she has become.”
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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, November 11, 2012
VETERANS DAY
3
Roger Castonguay: 20-year navy career By Dan Marois Feature Writer
“You might say my decision to join was spontaneous.”
One
day, in 1969, Roger Castonguay was a civ ilian frustrated w ith t he direction his life was heading and visited a Nav y recruiter. At 6 a.m. the following day, he was on his way to serving in the U.S. Navy.
Roger Castonguay
“You might say my decision to join was spontaneous,” said the Mechanic Falls resident. “After graduation from high school, I was clueless about what I wanted to do. I went to see a Navy recruiter and filled out the necessary forms. The recruiter then asked, 'When do you want to leave for basic training?' I naively responded 'anytime,' and he said, 'Okay, you’re leaving tomorrow, be at this office at 6 a.m.' The next thing I realize, I’m on a bus and heading to the facility to be processed into the Navy.” Castonguay went on to serve in the Nav y for 20 years. He earned the rank of Cryptologic Technician First Class (E-6) where his duties included operating telecommunications equipment that supported the movement of huge volumes of data to operating forces ashore and afloat. “We prov ided secure communications t hat supported our troops. Timely and accurate communication is highly essential to the success of any mission, and I felt that we were truly invaluable in that endeavor,” said Castonguay.
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“Moreover, I felt that I was doing my part in providing essential information to the users, especially during the Cold War era.” His tours of duty brought Castonguay to California, Washington, Guam, Japan, and on many afloat commands. It was during his tour in Japan when his military career profoundly influenced his personal life. “I met my wife, Junko, who is Japanese, while in the service,” said Castonguay. “We were married in Tokyo in 1972 and
In the two photos on this page, Castonguay is being honored shortly before his retirement after 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy.
Castonguay
page 5 ‰
No words, no ceremony, no ribboned medal could adequately honor you and your service. Your sacrifices in the name of freedom are remembered and deeply appreciated.
For all the things you value. Patrons Oxford Insurance Company Auburn, Maine
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VETERANS DAY
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, November 11, 2012
Castonguay from page 4
the marriage certificate is ornately embossed and signed by then Secretary of State William P. Rogers. We notarized our marriage at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.” The Castonguays went on to have three children: two born in San Francisco and one born in Japan. Castonguay became very fluent in speaking Japanese, a skill that served him in Maine after his retirement from the service. “From 1995 to 1999, I was part of a select group of employees at L.L. Bean. There were four native-born Americans and two Japanese citizens who worked for the company,” said Castonguay. “We were called Japan Product Information Specialists and we dispensed product information, either vocally or in writing, to the Japanese shoppers.”
Castonguay refreshes his Japanese language skills in conversation with his wife and by watching NHK, a Japanese television station on local cable. He has the highest respect for those who serve in the military. “The fact t hat men a nd women g ive of themselves every day in the performance of their military duties is undervalued. Much of what our sailors, airmen, and marines do for the protection of our nation is not noticed and rewarded enough,” noted Castonguay. “Many must work long hours with little sleep and in harsh environments. Their sacrifices cannot be unrewarded.” Castonguay is thankful for Veterans Day, a time to collectively applaud our active duty and retired military personnel.
Roger and Junko were married in Tokyo in 1972.
Russ Dillingham photo / Sun Journal
FACT: Another day in which veterans and others publicly display their patriotism is Independence Day. Here, Don Simoneau of Fayette watches the Independence Day Parade as he sits in front of the Jay War Memorial.
We pay tribute to those who have proudly served in our Armed Forces.
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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, November 11, 2012
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VETERANS DAY
5
WWII service, Army Air Force, followed by Reserves: Guy Myrand By Donna Rousseau Feature Writer
Guy
Myrand was 21 years old and working for the Maine Central Railroad when his country called him to serve in WWII on August 10, 1942. Reporting to Fort Devens, Massachusetts, he requested assignment to Rail Road Battalion but instead received an assignment to the Army Air Force in Atlantic City, New Jersey and then on to Radio School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Myrand enjoyed the challenge of radio school and soon discovered, with a foundation of basic radio skills, he was eligible to apply for Air Cadets and an opportunity to become a pilot, navigator, or bombardier. He applied and later was called to the interview process. Taken unaware and not able to dress in his class “A” uniform, he presented to five officers including two Majors, one Captain, and 1st and 2nd Lieutenants in his khaki ODs. “I was grilled about transmitting and receiv ing radio messages, questioned about hypothetical f lying situations
“Flying ‘under the hood’ would disorient a pilot as to what direction the plane was headed.” Guy Myrand
and current events of which I did not have much knowledge. Repeatedly, I was asked questions like, 'Why aren’t you dressed in your class A uniform? Why are your shoes and belt buckle not polished? Why are you not wearing a tie?' To each question I replied, ‘No excuse, sir!’”
Remember
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We salute you today and every day. Thank you for your service to our Great Country.
Myrand believed his response under pressure was what earned him acceptance into pilot school. In December, he was transferred to pref light school in Santa Ana, California w here he w a s i nt r o duc e d to t he fundamental and technical aspects of f ly ing including aerody namics, map reading, plotting courses, and meteorolog y. He sa id in av iat ion there is little room for error. Lives depended on the smallest of details. Primary f light training school at Rankin Aeronautical Academy in Tulare, California was Myrand’s destination in April 1943. His first plane was a PT-17 bi-wing called a Stearman. He remembers attempting da r i ng ma neuvers once he was comfortable with his plane.
artillery. Ten weeks later and able to fly with a copilot and without an instructor, he continued training in Columbia, South Carolina where he met his co-pilot, Richard Healy from Long Island, New York and the rest of his crew. T he tea m pract iced a nd ma neuvered for f ive mont h s, bu i ld i ng t he t r u st a nd communication they would need in battle. From South Carolina, they were transferred to Savannah, Georgia to prepare for overseas t r a n s p or t a nd t he y c ou nte d t hem s el v e s fortunate to be chosen to f ly a brand new B-25 to an overseas base. Abilene, Texas, C a l i for n ia , Haw a i i, C h r i st m a s I s l a n d , C a n t o n I s l a n d , Ne w Caledonia, and Australia were all stops in their first transport. In October 1944, the crew was assigned to the 13th Air Force, 42nd Bomb Group and 100th Squadron, nicknamed "The Jungle Air Force" in Sansapore, New Guinea. They f lew combat missions in and around islands in the Pacific.
“One of my biggest t hrills was climbing up to 10,000 feet, pointing t he nose dow nw a rd, spi n n i ng 14 turns to the right, leveling off with 5,000 feet remaining, and then taking seven more turns to the left while dropping to an altitude of 2,000 feet. What a rush!” Myrand exclaimed. Basic training completed at Minter Field in Bakersfield, California, Myrand continued on to Advanced Training School at Douglas A ir Force Base in Douglas, A rizona. There he learned to f ly a twin engine and prepared to f ly combat aircraft. “Flying ‘under the hood’ would disorient a pilot as to what direction the plane was headed so we learned quickly to rely on the instrument panel. This was an important lesson we would apply later when flying treacherous weather conditions across the states and in the Philippines,” said Myrand. After graduation in January 1944, 2nd Lieutenant Myrand was assigned to Mather Field in Sacramento, California where he would fly larger, faster planes designed to transport crew and
Orders were to hit all Japanese targets within reach of base, conducting missions to destroy enemy air fields and areas allowing access to food and supplies. Some missions required them flying at tree top levels. According to Myrand, one of his most interesting missions was the bombing of the town of Cebu. His crew flew their plane so close to the ground that it sheared hemp crops! Upon completing their mission, they examined the plane which had lost all its radio antennae; its engine cowlings were full of hemp and one wing was pierced with a tree limb. From Sansapore, New Guinea, Myrand and his crew moved on, eventually settling in Palawan, the most western of the Philippine islands, which became home base for the remainder of their assignment. Myrand was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was sent back to Lae, New Guinea and later
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VETERANS DAY
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, November 11, 2012
Luzon, Philippines as an instructor for new combat pilots coming from the states. During his time between locations, he met up with a friend in Manila. On his way back to his base, he was nearly shot from the sky by a group of P-47 pilots who had orders to shoot down a B-25 from which a crew had bailed out. Luckily, they discovered they had the wrong plane before it was too late. Myrand returned to Palawan and his crew when he had completed his instruction session. The unit was packed and ready for an invasion of Japan when it was rumored the war might be over. On August 6, 1945 the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Four days later they received confirmation of surrender; Myrand reached home on New Year’s Eve 1945 and was officially discharged February 23, three days following his 25th birthday. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves for 25 years where he was promoted to Captain (1957) and Major (1964) before retiring in 1971. In total, he served his country for 29 years. Of his story, Myrand said, “Recapturing and documenting my military years and experiences has been most rewarding. I have enjoyed the opportunity to review these momentous years and I am very happy to have served in the best Air Force in the world.”
These submitted photos show Guy Myrand as a young man in uniform (on the previous page), in the cockpit of a war plane (left), and during a recognition ceremony (above) with Susan Collins and her father, Don Collins, who served with the 87th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge. Editor’s note: The information for this article came from extensive notes taken by Myrand’s daughter, Pat Gagne, as told to her by Myrand.
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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, November 11, 2012
View the Veterans Day supplement online at
www.sunjournal.com/specialsections VETERANS DAY
7
From military to Civil Air Patrol: Warren and Mary King By David A. Sargent Feature Writer The uniforms have changed from military to Civil Air Patrol, and now, more than 50 years after they entered Army and Air Force service, an Auburn couple is making a major impact on young peoples’ lives and possible military career choices. Warren King grew up on Hotel Road near the West Auburn area and he recalls when his room was decorated with all sorts of aircraft from model planes to wallpaper designs. Not far away, Mary Spofford lived with her parents on a small Perkins Ridge Road farm. She and Warren rode the same school bus and they dated some, but their paths diverged in coming years. Mar y remembers how proud she was to participate in the acclaimed Edward Little High School marching band of the 1950s, and to wear that distinctive maroon uniform. Just 14 days after graduation, she was a member of the Women’s Army Corp and headed for Fort McLellan, Alabama. Her service included work on a surgical team at the United States Militar y Academy at West Point and at Valley Forge Army Hospital in Pennsylvania. She married, becoming Mary Story, and she raised a family. Residing in Michigan, she became involved w it h American Legion activities. She said pride in being a veteran was always a central part of her life. Warren entered the U.S. Air Force in July 1955. He trained for aircraft maintenance and his military career took him to Japan and Korea. He worked on F-84 Thunderjets and
F-86 Saberjets, but it was the unforgettable experience of duty aboard the iconic B-26 medium bomber that caused him to catch “the flying bug.” His 22-year Air Force career included mapping at Albany, GA. After the Air Force, King earned his pilot’s license through the G.I. Bill. He raised a family and did a lot of crop dusting in southern states, and his passion for flying continues to the present.
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Peru & West Paris, ME Proudly served in the Army July “77- July ‘81 Love, Mom, Gary, Kathy, Rick & families
Not ma ny yea rs ago, Wa r ren a nd Ma r y reunited and moved back to Auburn. Here, their connections with volunteer work for the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, have rekindled a recognition of how military service shaped their lives. “I never forgot what I learned about leadership, discipline and self-confidence,” Captain Mary Story-King, Maine Wing public affairs officer, said. She and Warren expressed hope that they can impart to the cadets the sense of pride and the life-skills they each gained in military service. CAP cadets, both male and female, range in age from 12 to 15 years. For Major Wa r ren K i ng , Ma i ne W i ng maintenance officer, CAP gives him a chance to show cadets “what it means to fly.” Warren and Mary Story-King also take great pride in working with the Maine Wing of the Civil Air Patrol in the annual “Wreaths Across America” program in which truckloads of Christmas wreaths from Maine are placed at Arlington National Cemetery and other locations across the nation. Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 15, 2012. “These wreaths on the graves of our veterans is the best lesson in the world for the CAP cadets,” Mary said.
James l. lawlor II
In HOnOR Of
RobeRt e. Dillingham
In memory of
leroy M. hilliard jr. and leonard l. hilliard Mary Story-King (then Mary Spofford) and Warren King, both of Auburn, at the time of their military service in 1955.
8
VETERANS DAY
In HOnOR Of
scott p. st. pierre
Submitted by their loving families.
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USAF 1947-1955 Korean War Veteran Proud to have served his country. Love, Your Family
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, November 11, 2012
In memory of
howard conant
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In honor of
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To find the location of a Wreaths Across America event near you, visit http:// www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/.
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'It's a way of Life': Rich Oberg 1930-2011 Korea 1951-1953 He served his country proudly
Missing you always. Love, Ma and Pop
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Proudly served his country 22 years. He’s still involved with Veterans Affairs today. Proud of your dedication. Love, Brenda & Family
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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, November 11, 2012
Bud Wagg 1921-2010 WW II Veteran
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Member of 234th Combat Engineer Battalion. Proudly served his country My Dad - My Hero always in my heart. Brenda - Armand & Family
When Rich Oberg recalls his years in the Navy, and speaks of h is work si nce he was medically discharged in 1987, especially the work that he has done in recent years, he gets a bit choked up. Understandably. Oberg joined t he Nav y in 1982, a period characterized by the tension of the Cold War. He reported for his first tour of duty aboard the USS Atlanta, a nuclear submarine, in December 1983, and spent four of the next six years at sea. Although Oberg can’t elaborate with respect to any details, there were events during those years at sea which “required us to be at battle stations for up to 36 hours.” W hen Ober g en l i ste d, it did not take long for all of h is preconceived not ions rega rd ing t he m i lita r y to be dispelled. His shipmates on t he USS At la nta were ex t remely i ntel l igent a nd capable people. “The military is not a job, it’s a way of life,” he said. The men w it h whom Oberg ser ved worked long and physically dem a nd i ng hou r s u nder
st ressf u l cond it ions w it h precious little downtime, no holidays, and no holiday pay. “We worked 12 out of every 18 hours and, if necessary, we would work 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. We were not allowed to fail.” The USS Atlanta took Oberg all around the globe. From P uer to R ico, Ber muda, a nd t he Ba ha ma s to t he Greenland-Iceland-UK gap, he’s been t here, a lt hough prima ri ly underneat h t he su r face of t he sea . “T he limiting factor to how long we could stay under was food,” he explained, “and 90 days was the maximum.” One of t he most dif f icu lt aspects of t hese long undersea deployments was t he absenc e of day l ig ht . The ot her was t he lack of contact with home. “About every two weeks, if we were luck y, we cou ld send a nd receive a ‘fa mily gra m,’ a communication that could be no longer than 40 words." During this period of time, Oberg had a young son and a wife back home, and during
Oberg
page 12 ‰
VETERANS DAY
9
From United States Marine to healthcare: Gerald Cayer By Dan Marois Feature Writer As a healthcare executive in Maine, Gerald "Jerry" Cayer has been a leader and advocate for healthcare in our state. He’s currently the executive vice president for Franklin Community Health Network in Farmington which includes oversight of Frank lin Memorial Hospital, a progressive c om mu n it y hospit a l k now n for it s i n nov at ion a nd commitment to community health. Prior to this position, he served as director of the Department of Health and Human Services for the city of Portland, where he was responsible for all health, medical and social service programs sponsored by the city. What many colleagues don’t realize is that the Lewiston native served in the United States Marine Corps for three years from ages 18 to 21. “I earned the rank of Corporal, E-4 where I worked in legal services or JAG, Judge Advocate General. I prepared legal documents for the chief trial law yer, transcribed court proceedings and reviewed general and superior court martial briefs during the appellate process,” said Cayer. “Of course, there was also extensive training in traditional infantry skills – rifles, grenades, machine guns, fox holes, and midnight walks.” Cayer entered the service to fulfill a family tradition as well as for the opportunities it would open for his future. “There’s a history of service in my family of meeting the Jerry Cayer, served as a U.S. Marine for three years. Today, he serves as executive vice president for Franklin Community Health Network in Farmington. physica l a nd menta l cha l lenge of goi ng i nto such a n organization as the Marine Corps,” said Cayer, who came from a family where money was tight and no one was able to the University of Maine at Farmington and a masters degree “Being assigned to Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington attend a college or university. “The Marine Corps provided from Boston University.” was special. It was the first time in my life that I traveled to assistance in my success at earning a bachelor’s degree from Washington and I had the opportunity to work and live in one Cayer’s service took him to places such as Parris Island in South of the world's most historical and significant cities,” said Cayer. Carolina, Camp Pendleton in California, Cherry Point in North “It was during my time there that President Ronald Reagan was Carolina, and to the nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C. shot just blocks away from where I was working.”
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“Parris Island was special – Marine Corps boot camp was an incredible experience,” said Cayer, leaving a bit to the imagination about the definition of incredible. “It was probably the most challenging, single activity I have ever participated in despite the loud voices of the drill instructors.”
“The sense of well being and accomplishment in successfully pushing oneself for the greater good was powerful,” said Cayer. “To be successful and earn the title, United States Marine, Cayer reflects that living and working in California and North Car- meant that sacrifice through discipline had been achieved. It olina were memorable. “They were two distinct parts of America was an honor and privilege to be a Marine.” that were culturally polar opposites,” explained Cayer. “This was special for a kid from Maine whose travel history was very limited.
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all veterans who served our great country.
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10 VETERANS DAY
Veterans Day brings pride for Cayer as he ref lects back on his service.
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South Pacific vets become Oxford Hills friends By Sharon Bouchard Feature Writer
was in New Guinea and Biak Is- told I was too darn short to fly a land living in a tent. plane, so I ended up a gun man.”
When two World War II vets get together they have a lot of stories to share especially when both spent time in the South Pacific. Though their pat hs wou ld not cross for many years after the war, their war background in common forged a friendship that continues today. Merle Glines, of South Paris, and Elmer Smallwood, of Oxford, met at a Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting more than 20 years ago and discovered they had both spent quite a bit of their military service in the South Pacific, one on land and one on the ocean and possibly at one time or another may have even been in close proximity.
“I spent most of my time out to sea,” said Smallwood. “Fortunately, the Yorktown took only one hit and it ended up going right through my darn laundry case. The Nav y even offered to reimburse me for that. Sadly, there were six fatalities in that hit.” The USS Yorktown CV10 was nicknamed, “The Fighting Lady,” and carried between 100 and 110 planes. “We shot down a lot of Japanese planes and we sunk a few aircraft carriers, too,” said Smallwood. Gl i nes a lso had responsibilities in armament as a Gun Specialist. “If you needed to have your gun fi xed,” said Glines, “I was your man.”
W hen Sma l lwood k new he was going to be dra f ted in 1941 while he was at the University of Maine in Orono, he decided drop out of college and enlist. “It was going to Smallwood, a Navy man, was happen anyway,” he said. stationed on the USS Yorktown CV10 Aircraft Carrier patrol- Glines entered the Air Force in ling the South Pacific while 1942. “I really wanted to be a Glines, an Army Air Force man pilot,” said Glines. “But, I was “I like to tease Elmer,” said Glines. “I tell him he was on the ship eating cake and ice crea m whi le I was rol ling around in the mud.”
“Merle and I used to argue who was the oldest,” Smallwood chuckled. “But, we finally figured out that I was a year older.” Both veterans agree that there are some beautiful islands in the South Pacific. “There are some that aren’t so nice, too,” said Smallwood. “I really liked the Philippines,” said Glines. “The people were pret t y n ice a nd ever yone could dance. Even the little kids could dance.” After the military, Smallwood went back to college. “I was released in Boston and went to Merle Glines, above left, saw action in the South Pacific as did Elmer Smallwood shown here in this older photo Orono the same day – I was still working on a machine gun aboard the USS Yorktown. in my dress uniform,” he said. “Boy, did I draw a crowd!”
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Before the Navy, Smallwood was majoring in aeronautical engineering, but switched to business after the military. “I was sick of aircraft at that point,” said Smallwood. “I wanted to do
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VETERANS DAY 11
Oberg from page 9
his son’s first year, he was home less than four months. “W hen I wasn’t on deployment I wa s st i l l away for eight months at a time,” he said. Even when he was at home, and off the boat, he was still required to be in port every third day, spending nights on the boat every t h i rd weekend doi ng f i re safety and security checks. Oberg was often gone for a year at a time and when he was home “could be called at any time, night or day, and have to be there in a couple of hours, packed and ready to go to sea.” Although most of the work that Oberg did during the years that he spent in the Navy is “classified,” and therefore confidential, he speaks of his many hours “in the sonar shack” where he collected intelligence data from other ships and submarines. Oberg was also the “educational petty officer” on the boat and was responsible for making sure that “the educational commitments [of the men on the ship] were met.”
South Pacific from page 11
something different.” After college, Smallwood worked for Sea rs a nd Roebuck for many years. Glines took advantage of the GI Bill and went to art school i n Boston a nd event ua l ly owned his own sign business. The two veterans still see each other at VFW meetings and other occasions and speak frequently on the telephone. “Elmer is a good guy,” said Glines. “Merle is one of the best,” said Smallwood.
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The most harrow ing experience of Oberg’s naval career happened at 400-feet below the surface. In 1986, they were on a mission to go to the Mediterranean Sea to pick up two Admirals in Gibraltar where they would be briefed on an upcoming mission. It was right after the bombing of Libya, so tensions were high.
However, in 1987, dur ing his second deployment, he sustained an injur y to his back a nd wa s u lt i mately given a medical discharge.
“We were going ver y fast [and] we collided with the bottom of the ocean. We did an emergency blow and came to the surface,” he said.
“Anyone who has gotten out and survived is a veteran,” he ex pla i ned, a nd “ma ny a re com i ng back w it h i nju r ies. It’s br uta l when you are ser v ing in combat situation. You have to stay hypervigilant [and] there is no safe place.”
On a r r iva l i n Gibra lta r’s port, divers were sent under t o lo ok at t he d a m a ge, which included “a hole in the fiberglass sonar dome and a bent frame 1. Shortly thereafter, the boat limped back home to Norfolk for repairs, which ultimately cost around a million dollars." Oberg is proud of the work that he did in the Navy and said, “Doing what we did was extraordinarily difficult and I was very good at it.”
P r e s e n t l y, O b e r g w or k s as a n out reach specia list for disabled veterans. His pr i ma r y focus is helpi ng d isabled a nd homeless veterans find work.
Consequently, many returni ng vetera n s su f fer f rom mental illnesses, post-traumatic stress disorder in particular, and “many don’t get the benefits that they are entitled to because their mental illnesses cause then not to seek benefits.” Oberg comes into contact with them because they are
not thriving and does his best to help them put the pieces of their lives back together. Oberg shared information regarding upcoming events t hat a re of pa r t icu la r i nterest to L ew iston a nd Auburn area veterans.
T he Ma i neMCN resou rce fair will be held November 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in t he ca feter ia of Lew iston
H i g h S c h o o l . For m or e information, contact Rich Oberg at 753-9092 or Jerr y DeWitt at 783-9141 ext. 228.
On Saturday, November 17, the Maine Military and Communit y Net work w ill host a resource fair at Lewiston High School. All area veterans and activeduty military are invited to attend and to take advantage of opportunities to meet and learn from 47 agencies which can assist them in getting the benefits and ser v ices that they need, including but not limited to Employer Support of the Guard and Reser ve, t he Wou nde d Her o e s Program of Maine, Pine Tree Lega l A ssista nce a nd t he Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, as well as a representatives of the VFW and American Legion, and the Lewiston Vet Center.
Rich Oberg, back row, center.
W ith Honor
and Respect to Our Veterans They are our family, friends and neighbors; everyday citizens, yet so much more. They are the brave men and women who have put their lives at risk to protect and serve our country in war. Time and again, our country’s veterans have been on the front lines in defense of our freedom. On Veterans Day, we take this opportunity to say thank you to the brave souls who have served in battle for our Armed Forces.
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207-783-1777 1-800-427-1777 Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, November 11, 2012