Are you part of a family tradition of military service?

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:58:43 -0400

Are you the lone service member in the family or are you a part of a long family tradition? My dad went through the Merchant Marine Academy but didn’t go active duty Navy. Grandpa was a Corporal during WWII and did time on various pacific islands including Guam. I could never finagle any war stories out of grandpa but I know his family served in the military as well. Anyone else have pictures of family in uniform and want to share their military experiences?

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Sep 24 at 2025 10:23 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:23:53 -0400

Definitely a tradition at my end. Goes as far back as the 14th century for sure. Wouldn't surprise me if later it's proven to go back to the 12th century.

Response by SPC Joshua Blotzer made Sep 24 at 2025 10:29 PM

SPC Joshua Blotzer — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:29:20 -0400

Going back centuries

Response by 1SG John Millan made Sep 24 at 2025 10:48 PM

1SG John Millan — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:48:31 -0400

My family, both sides, served in the Revolution, both sides of the Civil War, WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and GWOT!

Response by LTC Rodney Joye made Sep 24 at 2025 10:51 PM

LTC Rodney Joye — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:51:02 -0400

Not much of a tradition behind me; other than two great grand fathers who fought with ANVA in the US Civil War. Then I started in 1971 (enlisted). Two of my kids are in the Army. One is an instructor at West Point & the other is in Germany & will be going to CGSC some time next year. So I guess, in a way, I started the tradition in my family. Sorry about no photos. They are on a CD & a real pain to move to the phone, then upload to RP. By the way I love teasing my daughter about sending the grand kids to the Naval Academy. As a ring knocker West Point instructor, it drives her ballistic. ;)

Response by SGT Carl Blas made Sep 24 at 2025 10:54 PM

SGT Carl Blas — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:54:15 -0400

Great military history your family has, good to know.

Yes, my family is military history,

Grandfather retired navy, served in WWI, and was a POW, all of WWII.

Dad is retired Navy, served all of WWII in the Pacific, after the war, his ship a hospital ship the USS Bountiful was moored at Guam right after the war. He met my mother who was a nurse working at the Naval hospital in the 40’s, and at the Key West Naval hospital in the 50’s, where I was born, Dad was on a submarine then.

Older brother was army 82nd ABN in 1965, and was deployed to the Dominica Republic as part of Operation Power Pack. Then in 1966, he was attached to the 101st ABN and sent to Vietnam.

My older sister’s husband is retired Air force, served during Vietnam, and stationed on Guam for 2 years.
Sister was civil service, she was the commanding general’s office manager at Randolph AFB Texas for years, then retire from civil service. Her youngest son is in the army national guard in Texas, I believe he’s the rank of major, and his son right now, is at NAS Pensacola Florida in flight school. Her older son is a Navy veteran that served in the 80’s.

Myself, I was with the 2nd 508 Inf, 82 ABN at Bragg in 1972. Then, station on the DMZ Korea, Dec 1972 to Jan 1974 with the 1/31st Inf 2nd Inf. Division. Jan 1974, I was then station at Bragg again, with the 2/505Inf. 82nd ABN division, till Oct 1975.
I have two sons in the Coast Guard, the oldest did 6 years, and now living in Phoenix Arizona, and the youngest is stationed here on Guam, a CPO that will retire in a year.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Sep 24 at 2025 10:55 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:55:56 -0400

A family tradition. 3x Great Grandfather on Mom's side was Union Soldier. Grandfather, Father, 3 Uncles, 2 Cousins, and Brother served.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Sep 24 at 2025 11:13 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:13:51 -0400

Both my father and older brother served in the Military,Dad was a Staff Sergeant mess cook in a Armored unit that was slated for the ETO but the war ended before they were deployed,The older much smarter than I brother was career AirForce,highfaluten Russian linguist ,spent most of his time n Germany,Turkey ,ease dropping on those dirty commies,was very disappointed on my entry into the Army,although looking back ,maybe the old fart was right,nah, what’s the fun in sleeping on clean sheets,eating hot food,in a friendly environment.Welcome Home Brothers.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Sep 25 at 2025 1:02 AM

PO1 Tony Holland — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 01:02:46 -0400

My father was an LDO mustang LT with 26 years of service in WW@, Korea and Vietnam. During the Vietnam era ny younger brother was a two year naval reservist. When I lost my college deferment I enlisted and we served together on the USS Claud Junes DE-1033 at Pearl Harbor. I put in eight years. Later on my youngest daughter enlisted and became cryptological linguist for four years mostly at the NSA. Years later her oldest son joined the WV ANG. One of my uncles flew bombers out of North Africa in WW2.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Sep 25 at 2025 2:14 AM

SPC James Neidig — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:14:38 -0400

My Great Great Grandfather Served In The 116 Pennsylvania Infantry During The Civil War His Son , My Grandfather Served In WW-1 , My Father Served From WW-2 Through The 1960s And Retired As A Spc-6 .

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Sep 25 at 2025 8:22 AM

Maj Robert Thornton — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:22:10 -0400

On my side of the family I am the lone military member.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2025 9:08 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:08:34 -0400

On the Norwegian side (Norgard) of the family, I can trace military service going back to WW1 when my Great Grandfather served for the Canadian Army. That's how he met my Great Grandmother. He was wounded and sent back to Canada to recuperate. Once he was discharged, they moved to Nebraska. On the Scottish side (Stuart), there has been been at least one person every generation that has served. My Grandfather served in the PTO in the Navy, joining after notification that his brother was killed at Pearl. A Great Uncle (Carlson) served as a side gunner on B-17s in the ETO. Had a 2nd Cousin (Stuart) that served in the Marines during Vietnam. His story is that he got damn lucky for assignments. He regaled one time that while everyone was in line to get assignments, the guy in front of and behind him were married, while my Cousin was single. Said the two married guys were sent to Vietnam and my Cousin was sent to Okinawa. Honestly, I do not know if I had a family member serve in Korea. But, chances are, there is at least one person.

Then, of course, there is me.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 25 at 2025 9:25 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:25:53 -0400

On the paternal side, we came over on we came over on the run ahead of the British constabulary, seeking to arrest my great great grandfather who killed a British soldier over a girl in a bar. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

My grandad was an Army medic and was with the US forces chasing Pancho Villa in the "Punitive Expeditions." He was in General Pershing's personal entourage and was never within earshot of gunfire.

My dad was a Navy pilot for 27 years. He served in the Pacific Theater during WWII and again during the Korean war. He NEVER discussed any of his combat experiences. And when we asked, we got "the stare" and silence.

I was only able to glean insights into dad's combat experiences after dad's death. About a half-dozen squadron mates attended his funeral, they spent two days with my brother and me going over his flight logs, fitness reports and gun camera footage, filling in details.

If all they said was true, I understand dad's silence and his wish that his son's not go into the military. Being his sons, we did not listen.

On the maternal side, probably some of the men riding with Poncho Villa, being chased by General Pershing. [Pure speculation on my part]

My mom (legal Mexican immigrant0 served as an Army nurse in the European theater during WWII and a MASH unit during the Korean War. Her service allowed her to apply for expedited naturalization after she got back CONUS from Korea.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 25 at 2025 10:17 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:17:36 -0400

I'm second in line of what has become a tradition. My father and all my uncles served. Dad was Army Air Corp/Air Force during WWII in the China Burma India Theater, got home and got sent to Germany for the Berlin Airlift, then spent the rest of his Career inn SAC. I'm Army/Army National Guard, and my youngest is going on 17 years in the Navy as Master at Arms.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 25 at 2025 11:01 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:01:05 -0400

Like most people I imagine, all of my Grandfathers and Great Uncles served. I also have a Great Aunt who served as a Nurse in the Army during WWII. My Grandmother also served as a Federal GS Employee to the DOD. My father joined in 1972 and narrowly missed service in Vietnam. I know he ha some guilt about it but I know most of my family and Mom were always grateful how that shook out. My Dad ended up at 8th and I and due to a massive drug bust that cleaned out a ton of staff he was brought on as a new Guard at Camp David because he had a clearance and they needed all available bodies with clearances. I have cousins who served in the Corps and I did my service as well. My Dad never pushed me to serve. It was always my choice and I feel the same for my kids. I don't want them serving because of me. If they serve it needs to be their choice and nobody elses.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 25 at 2025 9:41 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 21:41:28 -0400

I wish I knew more about my family history but too many adoptions. My wife is Japanese and can go back over 400 years. Some Japanese people can accurately trace back over 800 years.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2025 11:23 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 23:23:44 -0400

SFC Mark Merino My father was a Captain in the Air Force. He served in WWII, Korea and the Berlin Airlift. He was killed in December 1956 when his plane crashed during a training flight. All of my other military family members are also deceased. A Brother-in-Law and Uncle served in the Army National Guard. My father-in-Law and two Uncles served in the Army. My last Uncle served in the Air Force. I have no other family members that are serving.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 26 at 2025 9:16 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:16:53 -0400

John O. Dawson was wounded at the battle of Lone Jack, August 1862 serving with Co. H, 7th Missouri State Militia Calvary (Union Army). My Uncle Harvy served at the end of WWI, I had one cousin fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Another cousin, her husband was POW WWII. Another cousin served in the "Silent Service". Another was CO in the 116th Armor Cav, IANG. Another cousin became a MAJ, flew Charlie model Huey, later AH-64 with the IANG. My brother's son Jacob Dawson was assigned to 10th MT.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Sep 26 at 2025 12:54 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:54:36 -0400

I guess we are. I've been able to trace my military roots to the War of Paraguay. I've found at least one family member involved in every major conflict since that time. The ones I'm most proud of are my grandfathers who came through Montford Point to become Marines.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Sep 26 at 2025 11:55 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 23:55:14 -0400

Not a tradition, just timing. My great-grandfather was France WWI, grandpa USMS WWII, father in Vietnam, and I was the first during peacetime and did 20. I have the same combat patch as my father and I think we both would like to give it back.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Sep 28 at 2025 11:54 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:54:51 -0400

.. "Our Father Who Art In Heaven" Retired From The Merchant Marines _ USS Texaco Massachusetts; 2 Brothers Before Myself, Mike & Jim, USAF - So I Was Warned Ahead Of Time, Do NOT Laugh At You T.I; It REALLY Pizzes Them Off! -- But Did I Do As Told? _Not On Your Life - OOPS

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2025 10:22 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:22:32 -0400

My Father was Air Force, Two Uncles during WWll. One was a Marine the other was Coast Guard. And my oldest son is a SFC in the Army. I’m sure there are others father back.

Response by Anthony Pandolfino made Sep 30 at 2025 1:06 PM

Anthony Pandolfino — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:06:45 -0400

Great grandpa fought United States Army infantry of World War I and basically gave the belt to a Korean war fighter as 101st screaming eagle paratrooper called grandpa family currently trains and works for the United States enable SEALs It’s a different type of Thanksgiving over here. I guess you could say, sir quite strict. I’m just trying to eat my green bean casserole.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Sep 30 at 2025 11:53 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:53:06 -0400

Yes. My son is in now. He is the 5th Generation of our family to wear the uniform. I am retired Army. My wife was a Soldier. Our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and brothers on both sides of our family have worn the uniform.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Oct 5 at 2025 7:07 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 07:07:42 -0400

My dad served in W2 got a silver star but he never talked about

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Oct 18 at 2025 7:56 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 07:56:09 -0400

Our families Military service started with Four of My relatives when We were still a British colony during the French and Indian War. One April 19th 1775 three of My relatives marched with the Minutemen from Sudbury, Massachusetts to Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts to Battle the British at Old North Bridge. I can't find a record of any relatives in the Civil Wat but others fought in the Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea and the last Me in Vietnam and during the Desert storm period. I spent 22 years in a USAF uniform. My Dad, shown here, was a member of the US Navy for 10 years serving in WWII in the Pacific theater of Operations and during the Korean War. My Mom's Aunt spent 30 years on active duty and served during WWII, Korea and Vietnam, Her brother Korea and My Dad's brother Korea and the Cuban Missile crisis and spent 20 years in an Army uniform. My late Father in Law served during WWII in the Pacific and went ashore on three Japanese held Island including Guam and Okinawa My Dad, My brother and I also each spent over 40 years in Civil Air Patrol, the USAF Auxiliary in addition to both Dads. and My service in the US Armed Forces.

Response by MSG Bob S made Oct 18 at 2025 10:21 AM

MSG Bob S — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 10:21:48 -0400

Both grandfathers served on n WW2. One in the US Navy and the other was a German Infantryman on the eastern front that was shot and was a POW in a Siberian Gulag for the duration of the war. My dad was a Vietnam era draftee and stayed in for 12 years (all in the National Guard). I served for 25 years and two cousin, both of whom served 4 years.

Response by PO3 Vernon Carpenter made Oct 29 at 2025 11:38 AM

PO3 Vernon Carpenter — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:38:51 -0400

As for me, Vietnam Vet USN, Son Afghanistan USA, two brothers both USAF Vietnam era, Father USMC WW2, Grandfather USA WW1, greatgrandfather USN (USS Monitor) civil war. Have ansestory link with Ralph Reagan (Son of the American Revelution membership)

Response by 1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR) made Oct 29 at 2025 10:06 PM

1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:06:05 -0400

My father served in the US Army during WWll. I served in the US Army from 1960 to 1982. My son (Paul) graduated from West Point in 2001 and served for 6 years. My Grandson (Matthew) is currently serving at Fort Bragg, NC. Three generations of US Army Parachutist. I went to Jump School in 1967, Paul went in 2000, and Mathew graduated in October 2025.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 4 at 2025 6:12 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:12:59 -0500

My dad’s Mini Me.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Nov 30 at 2025 7:26 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 07:26:57 -0500

It’s been my past experience that if you brag it never happened and what did happened you kept it between you and god.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Nov 30 at 2025 9:33 AM

1SG Frank Boynton — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 09:33:19 -0500

My grandfather served in WWI, my father (2nd picture far right just received the Bronze Star during the Korean War.) served from 1942 until he died in 1964. Fought in the European Campaign in WWII and earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Served in every campaign during the Korean War and earned the Bronze Star with V device, and a second Purple Heart. I served from 1972-1992.