June 6th, 1944 in General

June 6th, 1944

72 years ago my maternal grandfather was on a glider heading into Normandy. My paternal grandfather was on a troop transport in the Pacific.

My mother’s father came back from the war and became a welder after two years in Europe. My father’s father came back and became a firefighter after spending 10 years in the Marine Corps.

I have three uncles who served in Vietnam as Marines. Uncle Wayne did 4 tours. My father did 2 tours in Vietnam as a combat flight engineer. He spent 23 years in the Air Force, flying in Vietnam and the CIA proxy wars in Africa.

I spent 23 years, first as a avionics technician, then as a Naval Aviator flying missions in Bosnia and Iraq.

My family name is derivative of a small town in Norway. I have ancestors, Norman Vikings, who fought beside William the Conqueror at the battle of Hastings, receiving a land grant in what is now Devon, England. They brought the name to America in the mid 1600s.

None of my family ever doubted the debt they owed this country, regardless of their support of the conflicts they were called to serve in.

I will not apologize for my family’s service in the military. Just like I will not apologize for my distain of any male who would refuse to answer his countries call to service.

• I can give Sanders credit for having the courage of his convictions, but to me, anyone who refused to served - in any way, when his country called - is not qualified to be Commander-in-chief.