Lodge News
Veterans Corner #4
In Chuck's words:
I volunteered for the Military Draft four months early on Monday, March 17 1969 and I honorably served our country until Saturday, October 24 1970. I served my basic training at Fort Knox Kentucky, then I was shipped off to Fort Polk, Louisiana for my advanced infantry training. My next step was to Fort Benning Georgia for my N.C.O. (Non-Commissioned Officer) training. After all this, I was finally sent off to Bin Hoa, Vietnam, then Tay Ninh City, Vietnam at the base of the Black Virgin Mountain (Nui Ba Din) (“ROCKET CITY” as it was called) plus the Cambodian Invasion. Our Division dealt with jungles, swamp, bugs, rats, scorpions, snakes, plus oh yah, the ENEMY who were within these same Jungles. My year was CRAZY to say the least! I was given the R.T.O. (Radio Telephone Operator) position in my squad called Recon Point. With my fellow Veterans at each other’s side, but most of all, we had our GOD! Who is the answer for my safe return home! Thank You! I was honored on Monday, April 7 1969 with the Army Commendation Medal With “V” device for Valor and Heroism. During that same time frame, I was honored and received the Bronze Star Medal, this was all Combat related time between my time overseas from April 1970 to June 1970. I honorably served our Country with squad Charlie Company of the 3/22nd, 25TH Infantry Division, Combat Infantry! “All the Way”! My wife Judith Ann and our four children have been there for me always. Our oldest is Kimberly Ann, followed by Emil Ross Zimmer, Charlie Ross Zimmer Jr. and Amy Rose. We have been blessed with 8 beautiful grandchildren, consisting of 7 boys and 1 girl. It is hard for me to imagine that 50 plus years ago, this time, I was learning how to just survive, one day at a time, Wow!! God Bless Our Country! And God Bless all who try to Protect the United States of America and within our Cities, Towns and Villages for the Past, Present and Future. I am a Port Huron, Michigan resident for 70 years. I have been a Port Huron Elks Lodge 343 Elk member for over 45 years, I am glad to be an Elk Life Member. I am still hanging on while being Safe, Healthy and with Happiness is always our Goal! Thank You Elks Lodge #343.
Posted by: Port Huron, MI #343 (03/31/2021)
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