Randy Lashbrook - United States Army - Elk Membership #10697 - Veterans Corner #8
The Gulf War motivated me to enlist in the United States Army. I arrived at Fort Sill in Oklahoma stateside during the time of the Gulf War. I received my orders to go to Kuwait in July 1992, the Army opted to send a team from my same "MOS" Military Occupational Specialty (this is a service member's specific job in the military, from artillery and aviation to engineering and intelligence) to Germany instead. That is where I was stationed. I also spent time in Fort Polk, Louisiana and Fort Hood, Texas. I served at the Fort Hood post the longest. I served 3 years from March 18, 1991 to March 18, 1994 until being honorably discharged on March 18, 1994. The highest rank I achieved was E-4 Specialist. I’d like to explain that a Specialist is a junior enlisted rank in the United States Army, equivalent in salary to a Corporal. Specialists have basic management duties and may command soldiers of lower rank, although most leadership duties at this pay grade are the responsibility of Corporals. During my time, I earned the Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Grenade Medal, Sharpshooter Medal, Order of the Cobra for simulated combat operations in Mojave Desert. What I miss most from my military experience, are the brothers whom I served with, and the memories of our time together during my service. You should know back then, the Army only allowed men to serve in combat units at that time. One memory I’d like to share, is going to our first assignment after picking up my wife Anne from Fort Polk. Our very first place we lived in was a single wide mobile home “trailer” that was tucked back, deep in the woods, on the property of a retired Sheriff. We had no phone, no internet, or television. I think most days were a LOT tougher on Anne than it was on me, as I was busy training.
I met my lovely bride Anne while we worked together at the North end Pizza Hut. We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 with a trip to Sandals Grande, Antigua. We have been blessed with 3 beautiful children (Demi, Dallas, Dustin) and one beautiful Granddaughter Saylor. We are expecting another grandchild from our daughter Demi in July. I am a 7-year Lodge 343 Elk member and enjoy my time with my Elk family. I have been employed with Ford Motor Company for 27 years. I’ve been the UAW Chairperson at the Romeo Engine Plant for the past 10 years. I joined the Port Huron Elks Lodge 343 on Monday, May 11, 2015. I was sponsored into our Fraternal Organization by Michael Duncan and initiated by Exalted Ruler Gregory C. Hudy. Randy Lashbrook - United States Army - Elk Membership #10697 - Veterans Corner #8
To our Lodge 343 veterans, if interested in sharing your service experiences please contact PER Scott R. Harris, our Public Relations committee chairperson about providing information for an upcoming article. Scott’s email address is scottharris55@comcast.net or you can catch up with him at our Lodge.