I really wanted my kids to meet maj winters

[DavidL]

Hello all, I found this forum after reading about Shifty passing away and coming to the realization that my kids may never meet a WWII vet who served in a combat situation and thought I might be able to find a time and place where I could take the kids to meet someone like Maj. Winters.
But from what I'm reading that is not possibe.
My dad was a WWII Vet and served in the Navy (south Pacific arena), he saw action at Correl Sea, Midway, and many others, he was actually declared MIA at one time when the destroyer he served on was sunk by the Japanese, he was picked up two days later by a Cat. flying boat. My dad passed away before my first child was born and we named our first chiled after his grampa Charlie. My dad entered the navy in early 42 at the age of 16 with permission from his mom and dad. My dad would never speak of his actions in WW2 and most of what we know comes from his older sisters, when he returned to the US after the war he gave away his uniforms, medals, etc. all we have is a few pictures, from his mother, my grandma. When I was little and slept in the lower floor room at my mom and dads house I remember many times dad having nightmares yelling out things like "it's going down it's going down" in the middle of the night, my mom would get him woke up and he'd walk around the house for a bit or go sit on the front porch swing by himself; dad wouldn't talk about it at all and would get up and walk away if someone else started talking about it or a war movie was on. Me and my older brother tried desperately to find my dad records but apparanlty most of his were lost in a fire at a records storage facility, at least that's what they tell us. A few pictures and his discharge papers are all that's left.
I myself served in the Air-force for six years to pay my way through college, I'm the youngest of ten and mom and dad didn't have the excess cash to pay all the bills so I joined the AF. I served 1-year active for training and tech. school then 5 years in a ANG fighter unit.

To all the Vets out there me and my family say "THANK YOU" to all the combat vets out there we say it a second time "THANK YOU".

I'm always trying to tell my kids that there are real heros out there and many all around us, and most of them have never been on TV or wear a sports jersey of any type. God Bless and guide the USA!

[Connie]

Hello David,
Glad you joined us. Your post was both interesting and touching. I wonder how many vets came home, said little or nothing, but still were haunted by wartime experiences as was your dad. Probably many more than we realize. Not knowing where you are located,I assumed the USA, it would be hard to tell you where to go to introduce your kids to someone who has served in combat. How about your local American Legion or VFW? Maybe someone there could help. We have at least one very active re-enactor (Mooch) on here, as well as several other members who have knowledge of where some vets activities are scheduled and who participate in various gatherings. Perhaps someone will jump in and help. A number of our overseas members have met vets who have traveled to France, Holland and Belgium in recent years. Some of us in the States have met Easy Co. members at book signings, air shows, etc. I had the tremendous pleasure of meeting Major Winters briefly almost 5 years ago at Carlisle Barracks in PA. It is a memory I hold dear I assure you. The Easy Co. vets are very dedicated to encouraging younger generations to be aware and learn all they can about that period of history, so I think you will be doing your children a favor if you are able to get connected with some of them. Good Luck with that.
Connie

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

David, There will be a tremendous gathering of 101st vets in Philadelphia next month. Some of the men who made history with Major Winters will be there. The men are tremedously engaging and love telling their stories to children. You should try and make it, you will not be dissapointed.

[LMB]

David, There will be a tremendous gathering of 101st vets in Philadelphia next month. Some of the men who made history with Major Winters will be there. The men are tremedously engaging and love telling their stories to children. You should try and make it, you will not be dissapointed.

Yes, great suggestion. Hope you can do it or attend one of the other events around the country where these vets are present.

In the early 70s many service records were destroyed in a fire at one of the storage facilities -- perhaps in St. Louis. It was a particularly difficult situation for those who later sought disability benefits for conditions that were likely service-connected.

It's a shame you don't know more about your dad's history, but if you know the identity of the unit, perhaps there is a history written by others that you could read.

[Linda]

David, welcome to our forum. You should keep an eye on our Upcoming Events section, you'll be surprised how many possibilities there still are today to meet Easy Company and other WW2 veterans. Best of luck!
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[Webster]

God i wish i could meet him so bad. I am reading Biggest Brother the life of Maj.Dick Winters and it is really showing me the heroism and dedication of men like Mr.Winters and my Grandfather and all those who served there country in that time of need.

[Gregg]

I would like to say to all the Vets, Thank you. I am the son and nephew of WW2 veterans. I have seen Band of Brothers many many times , it is my favorite of all.
My father served aboard the USS Amick DE 168 in the Pacific, 2 of my uncles served in the Army Air Force in the Pacific. Another uncle served with the 125th Field Artillery he had over 500 days in combat and was award the Silver Star. The last uncle served in Batt C , 47th Armored Field Artillery from 1942-1945, Uncle Jack died after the war 2 July 1945 and is buried in Empinal American Cem in France.
Just wanted to say I really enjoy reading this site and learning more about the sacrifices the Vets made for us members of the Baby Boomer Division

Gregg

[USS Alabama]

hello....i'm from malaysia and i also really want to meet with major winter....

[Scott]

Good suggestions from others about meeting WWII vets! I suggest also getting to know your neighbors - that is how I met a veteran a few doors away who served on a cruiser (USS Baltimore). His most memorable experience was in a screening task force fighting off swarms of kamakazis. One made it through and nailed an carrier just a few hundred yards away. It was a difficult memory for him for a number of reasons.

Cecil died a few years ago, but I cherish my talks with him. I wish I had recorded them!

Best wishes to you - these men and women are still out there.

[weschedc]

My father was a WW2 vet, having flown B17s with the 43rd Bomb Group's 64th squadron in New Guinea from April or May of 42 to around June of 43. I was fortunate that he had a robust scrap book and talked about some of his service, the details of which I am sure were left unspoken. I am in the Connecticut National Guard and hold veterans of all types in high regard and respect. As a suggestion, I make it a point to look at hats. Many veterans who are proud of their service will wear a WW2 Veteran hat or one from Korea of Vietnam. I met a gentleman at a local fiar who was wearing a WW@ Vet hat. I made it a point to stop and talk to him. I was surprised to find that he was a Navy vet who drove landing craft in the European Theater as well as the Pacific Theater. He thought he wised up by joining the Army after the war. He stayed in long enough to go to Korea and Vietnam. So, here was a vet of the ETO, the PTO, Korea and Vietnam. I love to listen to what they say. I always introduce myself as a veteran as well, having served in Kuwait, admittedly not in directr combat. These vets seem to open up more to other veterans. So my recommendation is to look for the hat and thank them for their service with a hearty and warm handshake.

[GySgtMJones]

weschedc

Your suggestion to “Look for the hat” is an excellent one. I have worn hats every day of my life since March 1969. Serving a career in the military sort of conditions you to wearing hats. Since I wear them all the time, I also notice anyone who is also wearing one. And you are most correct, you will see many Vets around you if you notice that a lot of them wear hats which designate their service. Seeing these hats, I always try to give them a “Thank You” for their service. And sometimes we can strike up a brief conversation where we share a few experiences. Some seem very surprised that anyone even notices, and are very proud when you thank them!

So, as you said, “Look for the hats!”

[Connie]

I too watch for the hats, especially since I live in the middle of the new "mega base" of Ft. Dix, McGuire AFB and Lakehurst Naval Air Station..... lots of retirees around here. However, after I notice the hat, I check out the faces for a hint of the age of the wearer. Lots of guys wear baseball hats with unit or ship insignia, but they visited those spots or for some reason bought the hat. I recall the other year seeing someone with a US Arizona cap on and he looked quite a bit older than I am, but not old enough. So I said, "Hi, were you really on the Arizona?" He laughed and said, "Nope, I just visited Pearl Harbor". However, it is far better to ask than to pass a vet by without thanking him I think.
Connie

[padraigmc]

I too watch for the hats, especially since I live in the middle of the new "mega base" of Ft. Dix, McGuire AFB and Lakehurst Naval Air Station..... lots of retirees around here. However, after I notice the hat, I check out the faces for a hint of the age of the wearer. Lots of guys wear baseball hats with unit or ship insignia, but they visited those spots or for some reason bought the hat. I recall the other year seeing someone with a US Arizona cap on and he looked quite a bit older than I am, but not old enough. So I said, "Hi, were you really on the Arizona?" He laughed and said, "Nope, I just visited Pearl Harbor". However, it is far better to ask than to pass a vet by without thanking him I think.
Connie

ahh now come on Connie a bit older?...no one at age 45 could have served on the Arizona !


Can only back up what lots of other people have said, go meet them where you can most of the vets are shy and retiring but will appreciate a simple hello and thank you .

[Connie]

Well now, aren't you the sweetheart Pad. But I think my hair is a bit grayer than when we met last year.... darn. (Sorry folks, a bit off topic here.)
Connie

[frisco-kid]

I am also a hat wearer. I rotate 3-4 different ones of either 101st or Airborne. It's been a great way to meet other paratroopers of all ages over the years. I've received many "Thank you for service" comments because of my hats; all of them greatly appreciated. Several years ago, on Veteran's Day, I was in line at McDonald's for lunch and had a 30-something Mom with 2 children talk me into letting her buy me lunch, and thanked me for the opportunity to do something nice for a Vet on Veteran's Day. Hats are great icebreakers and I always welcome the exchange. I've always tried to do my part of defusing the myth that all of us VN Vets were the psychopaths that the anti-war crowd of the day and Hollywood tried to label us and portray us as.