In 2016, we held our fourth annual Veteran's Breakfast.
Antonio Pimenta
World War II
Mr. Antonio Pimenta was born on August 22, 1926 in Peabody, Massachusetts. In 1944 he was drafted to the Army and served in the Pacific Theatre in World War II. The two locations he served in were the Philippines and Bougainville Island. In our conversation, he spoke about his experiences with horrible rations, chocolate bars, difficult times, lack of things to do for fun and more. Mr. Pimenta served from 1944 to 1946. When he first began his service he was ranked 79 and by the time it ended he was ranked 139. When he discovered that the war had ended in 1946, he had been training for a mission in Japan. After his service ended he came back home and worked in a factory making lamps for Sylvania and eventually met and married his wife in 1949. His best story from his service was a joke he would play with his friends. He would sell his military jackets for cigarettes and then one of his friends would go and arrest the man the jacket was sold to and get the jacket back. At the end of the joke, Mr. Pimenta would be left with his jacket and a couple cigarettes. Mr. Pimenta believes his experiences transformed him to a man of not too many words and one who is also organized and disciplined.
World War II
Mr. Antonio Pimenta was born on August 22, 1926 in Peabody, Massachusetts. In 1944 he was drafted to the Army and served in the Pacific Theatre in World War II. The two locations he served in were the Philippines and Bougainville Island. In our conversation, he spoke about his experiences with horrible rations, chocolate bars, difficult times, lack of things to do for fun and more. Mr. Pimenta served from 1944 to 1946. When he first began his service he was ranked 79 and by the time it ended he was ranked 139. When he discovered that the war had ended in 1946, he had been training for a mission in Japan. After his service ended he came back home and worked in a factory making lamps for Sylvania and eventually met and married his wife in 1949. His best story from his service was a joke he would play with his friends. He would sell his military jackets for cigarettes and then one of his friends would go and arrest the man the jacket was sold to and get the jacket back. At the end of the joke, Mr. Pimenta would be left with his jacket and a couple cigarettes. Mr. Pimenta believes his experiences transformed him to a man of not too many words and one who is also organized and disciplined.
William Toomey
Korean War (1952-1954)
William was born in Peabody in 1932. He graduated from Peabody High in 1950, and then was drafted into the army. He took basic training at Fort Riley in Kansas. He served at Japan and Korea. He did not take part in any battles.
Korean War (1952-1954)
William was born in Peabody in 1932. He graduated from Peabody High in 1950, and then was drafted into the army. He took basic training at Fort Riley in Kansas. He served at Japan and Korea. He did not take part in any battles.
Edward Adian
World War Ⅱ Edward Adian served for two and a half years in World War Ⅱ in the Air Force. After his service he was awarded 3 air medals, distinguished and 3 bronze stars. He enlisted at the age of 19 in the year 1943. Adian was stationed in England with the title Staff Salute. During his service, he never believed that he would die and that is what kept him alive. He had been implemented right into the force without prior boot camp or training experiences. He was born in Boston and went to high school in Watertown, MA. |
Amy Belanger
Persian Gulf War
Amy Belanger was born in Salem, Massachusetts on November 17, 1972. Belanger enlisted in the Navy as an E3 Airman from 1991 to 1998. She was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia during the Persian Gulf War, but never fought in any battles. Belanger was awarded the Geoduck Ribbon and the National Defense Ribbon. Belanger couldn’t afford to go to college, but wanted to do something with her life, so she enlisted in the Navy. She was one of the “lucky ones” that had the ability to go home every night after work. Her job entailed working on A2 Hawkeye planes, which was a stressful job because a mistake could cost the lives of many people. She became very close with her squadron because they were there for her in times when her family couldn’t. Following her service, Amy now lives in Peabody and is a teacher at MIT.
Persian Gulf War
Amy Belanger was born in Salem, Massachusetts on November 17, 1972. Belanger enlisted in the Navy as an E3 Airman from 1991 to 1998. She was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia during the Persian Gulf War, but never fought in any battles. Belanger was awarded the Geoduck Ribbon and the National Defense Ribbon. Belanger couldn’t afford to go to college, but wanted to do something with her life, so she enlisted in the Navy. She was one of the “lucky ones” that had the ability to go home every night after work. Her job entailed working on A2 Hawkeye planes, which was a stressful job because a mistake could cost the lives of many people. She became very close with her squadron because they were there for her in times when her family couldn’t. Following her service, Amy now lives in Peabody and is a teacher at MIT.
Major Dan Winschel
Global War on Terrorism Major Dan Winschel grew up in a Navy family with plans to go to college. He enlisted in the Army in 1986 to pay for college. He is still an active member of the US Army Special Forces with 14 years enlisted and 16 as an officer (and counting). He has served in Germany, Fort Bragg NC, Fort Sam Houston, Iraq twice, Afghanistan, Bolivia, Panama, and Ecuador. He has been awarded 2 Bronze Stars and a Combat Action Badge. As an Airborne Special Forces Medic Major Winschel earned the Expert Field Medical Badge. When he got direct a Commission in 2000, as a Physician Assistant, he went on to also become a Flight Surgeon. As an US Army Special Forces Physician Assistant, Major Winschel provided medical care to indigenous people throughout the Middle East in exchange for information to locate the enemy. He initiated a medical book drive in Iraq and was able to provide 16 medical libraries throughout Northern Iraq. This allowed local doctors to treat their own people. This is a classic case of “It is better to teach a man how to fish than to give him a fish everyday.” He started “Operation Shoe” in Afghanistan which provided thousands of shoes to Afghan children. Both the medical book drive and “Operation Shoe” were made possible by donations from generous Americans. He is now a PA at the VA and enjoys treating his fellow veterans. |
Bernie Kallelis
Vietnam War
Bernie Kallelis was born in Peabody on January 12, 1950. Bernie served in the Vietnam War in the Marine Corps, which he was ranked a Major in. He participated in boot camp on Parris Island and took part in officer training in Virginia. Partway through college, Bernie decided it was his patriotic duty to join the military. He chose the Marines as many of his friends were doing the same and he also already had some family in the Marines. While in service the food was good and to entertain themselves they listened to the radio, played football, swim and more. When he left Vietnam he was on terminal duty. He believes that the military and the Marines had a positive impact on his life.
Vietnam War
Bernie Kallelis was born in Peabody on January 12, 1950. Bernie served in the Vietnam War in the Marine Corps, which he was ranked a Major in. He participated in boot camp on Parris Island and took part in officer training in Virginia. Partway through college, Bernie decided it was his patriotic duty to join the military. He chose the Marines as many of his friends were doing the same and he also already had some family in the Marines. While in service the food was good and to entertain themselves they listened to the radio, played football, swim and more. When he left Vietnam he was on terminal duty. He believes that the military and the Marines had a positive impact on his life.
Robert Allen Sousa
Gulf and Iraq
Robert Allen Sousa was born in Salem, MA on September 10, 1951. He was commissioned and enlisted in the Vietnam Era, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom Wars from January 1st, 1973 to October 10th, 2013. During his time in the Air Force, he served as a Colonel as well as a Deputy Command surgeon at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command. He met his wife at Air Force and married her on September 26, 1997. He has served in many Air Force bases, from the Lowry base in Colorado, the Shepherd base in Texas, and the Robins base in Georgia. He has also been awarded the Legion of Merit. While he was on reserve, he taught English at Bishop Fenwick. Principal Eric Buckley was even a student of his in a Freshman Honors class! Mr. Sousa collected materials and kept a journal of his reports when he worked at Medical. His best friend Bobby Driscoll, a Medtech, would play pranks on him, such as giving him a fake report. His friend Bobby would later become the godfather to his three children.
Gulf and Iraq
Robert Allen Sousa was born in Salem, MA on September 10, 1951. He was commissioned and enlisted in the Vietnam Era, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom Wars from January 1st, 1973 to October 10th, 2013. During his time in the Air Force, he served as a Colonel as well as a Deputy Command surgeon at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command. He met his wife at Air Force and married her on September 26, 1997. He has served in many Air Force bases, from the Lowry base in Colorado, the Shepherd base in Texas, and the Robins base in Georgia. He has also been awarded the Legion of Merit. While he was on reserve, he taught English at Bishop Fenwick. Principal Eric Buckley was even a student of his in a Freshman Honors class! Mr. Sousa collected materials and kept a journal of his reports when he worked at Medical. His best friend Bobby Driscoll, a Medtech, would play pranks on him, such as giving him a fake report. His friend Bobby would later become the godfather to his three children.
Tom Whalen
Vietnam War (1966-1967)
Tom Whalen hails from Winthrop, Massachusetts, but now resides in Peabody. He served from 1966 to 1967 and served in the Vietnam War in the Army. He got many awards like the Bronze Star in Junction City, Expert Badge (M14). He served in battles like the Iron Jungle and Operation Junction City. He did basic training at Fort Dick and progressed into a well-respected and loved part of the army service.
Vietnam War (1966-1967)
Tom Whalen hails from Winthrop, Massachusetts, but now resides in Peabody. He served from 1966 to 1967 and served in the Vietnam War in the Army. He got many awards like the Bronze Star in Junction City, Expert Badge (M14). He served in battles like the Iron Jungle and Operation Junction City. He did basic training at Fort Dick and progressed into a well-respected and loved part of the army service.
Bud Seed
World War II (1945-1946)
Mr. Seed was born on Memorial Day May 30th in the year of 1927 and grew up in Swampscott, Massachusetts. He was the son of two British immigrants and his father was in the British Army. As a boy he was in the Boy Scouts and volunteered in the warden posts during the beginning of WWII which later helped with his decision to volunteer in the end of WWII at age 18. He joined the Navy where he was located in Guam and the Pacific. His rank was 3rd class boatswain where he helped with fixing boats used in battle although he did not experience any battles himself. Bud now resides in Peabody, Massachusetts and has three children, one boy and two girls.
World War II (1945-1946)
Mr. Seed was born on Memorial Day May 30th in the year of 1927 and grew up in Swampscott, Massachusetts. He was the son of two British immigrants and his father was in the British Army. As a boy he was in the Boy Scouts and volunteered in the warden posts during the beginning of WWII which later helped with his decision to volunteer in the end of WWII at age 18. He joined the Navy where he was located in Guam and the Pacific. His rank was 3rd class boatswain where he helped with fixing boats used in battle although he did not experience any battles himself. Bud now resides in Peabody, Massachusetts and has three children, one boy and two girls.
Paul S. Kelly
Vietnam War
If there was anyone more patriotic and proud than Paul S. Kelly, I know him not. Kelly grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts and recently moved to Peabody with his wife, Linda. He wears his Marine Corps loyalty literally on his sleeve; his jacket adorned with the Marine Corps emblem and corresponding patches. Over the course that I spoke to him, He reminisced about his time serving: the good, the bad, and the odd food they were given like eggs and lima beans. His face shone with pride when explaining the charity work his organization does like donating money to a children’s hospital and with somber humility and respect when talking about his work on the Honor Guard during the Vietnam Era. He spoke about how despite the deaths surrounding him and the controversy over the Vietnam War itself (with people calling him and ‘baby killer”), him and his outfit found joy, respect and inspiration among each other and the great nation that they served.
Vietnam War
If there was anyone more patriotic and proud than Paul S. Kelly, I know him not. Kelly grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts and recently moved to Peabody with his wife, Linda. He wears his Marine Corps loyalty literally on his sleeve; his jacket adorned with the Marine Corps emblem and corresponding patches. Over the course that I spoke to him, He reminisced about his time serving: the good, the bad, and the odd food they were given like eggs and lima beans. His face shone with pride when explaining the charity work his organization does like donating money to a children’s hospital and with somber humility and respect when talking about his work on the Honor Guard during the Vietnam Era. He spoke about how despite the deaths surrounding him and the controversy over the Vietnam War itself (with people calling him and ‘baby killer”), him and his outfit found joy, respect and inspiration among each other and the great nation that they served.
Jim Ventresco
Vietnam War (1969-1970)
Jim Ventresco was a Vietnam veteran who served from 1969-1970. He enlisted into the army and served with the infantry. He was stationed in Saigon, now referred to as Ho Chi Minh City. He was involved in multiple firefights. Jim Ventresco received multiple awards for his service. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, The Bronze Star, and the Army Commendation Medal.
Vietnam War (1969-1970)
Jim Ventresco was a Vietnam veteran who served from 1969-1970. He enlisted into the army and served with the infantry. He was stationed in Saigon, now referred to as Ho Chi Minh City. He was involved in multiple firefights. Jim Ventresco received multiple awards for his service. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, The Bronze Star, and the Army Commendation Medal.
Joseph E. Cavallon
World War II
Joseph E. Cavallon enlisted in the Army and reached the rank of captain. He served in the Pacific and was part of the reconstruction of Japan. Joseph Cavallon worked in Sugamo Prison in Japan. They held 500 troops and was one the 25 biggest POW camps for the Japanese. One of the camp’s task was hanging officers including Hideki Tojo was a general of the Imperial Japanese Army, the leader of the Imperial Rule Assistance Association, and the 40th Prime Minister of Japan during much of World War II.
World War II
Joseph E. Cavallon enlisted in the Army and reached the rank of captain. He served in the Pacific and was part of the reconstruction of Japan. Joseph Cavallon worked in Sugamo Prison in Japan. They held 500 troops and was one the 25 biggest POW camps for the Japanese. One of the camp’s task was hanging officers including Hideki Tojo was a general of the Imperial Japanese Army, the leader of the Imperial Rule Assistance Association, and the 40th Prime Minister of Japan during much of World War II.
James Horwitz
Vietnam War (1964-1967)
James Horwitz grew up in Boston and served in the Vietnam War and served from 1964 to 1967. He served in the navy and his rank was a third class officer. He was stationed in philadelphia. He received a medal for expertise in weapons. For hobbies Horwitz read a lot and painted. He hated the food that was given to them some of which included, powdered eggs, powdered milk. He also stated that he could not eat mashed potatoes for twenty years after he was discharged. He worked on a shipyard for a year after he was discharged and then he enrolled in the marines. He shared a story about when he was traveling on ship and he was constantly in here bunker, and one day someone made him get up and put him on watch. That night the gasoline tank sliced open the bunker, Horwitz would have been killed if he had been assigned to put on watch.
Vietnam War (1964-1967)
James Horwitz grew up in Boston and served in the Vietnam War and served from 1964 to 1967. He served in the navy and his rank was a third class officer. He was stationed in philadelphia. He received a medal for expertise in weapons. For hobbies Horwitz read a lot and painted. He hated the food that was given to them some of which included, powdered eggs, powdered milk. He also stated that he could not eat mashed potatoes for twenty years after he was discharged. He worked on a shipyard for a year after he was discharged and then he enrolled in the marines. He shared a story about when he was traveling on ship and he was constantly in here bunker, and one day someone made him get up and put him on watch. That night the gasoline tank sliced open the bunker, Horwitz would have been killed if he had been assigned to put on watch.
David Lunt
World War II (1945-1946)
David Lunt who is from Beverly is an 89 year old WWII veteran who served in the U.S. Naval Force from 1945-1946. He was 18 years old when he joined the service two days after Japan surrendered. While he served David was stationed in Florida and Virginia, in Virginia he was landing vehicles and basic training. After he served, he did a two year enrollment at Boston University for banking. Thirtythree years later he went into the IRS for fifteen years and retired happily after that.
World War II (1945-1946)
David Lunt who is from Beverly is an 89 year old WWII veteran who served in the U.S. Naval Force from 1945-1946. He was 18 years old when he joined the service two days after Japan surrendered. While he served David was stationed in Florida and Virginia, in Virginia he was landing vehicles and basic training. After he served, he did a two year enrollment at Boston University for banking. Thirtythree years later he went into the IRS for fifteen years and retired happily after that.
John Stilwell
Vietnam War
Born in Lynn MA in 1946, he enlisted and served in the Vietnam War. He was interested in aircraft carriers, hence why he picked the Navy. While there, he mainly worked with the catapults. He was physically fit on his first days of boot camp, therefore the activities did not seem as hard. His service ended in July, worked as a carpenter afterwards. He made close relationships while in the Navy and now lives in Peabody working as a computer technician.
Vietnam War
Born in Lynn MA in 1946, he enlisted and served in the Vietnam War. He was interested in aircraft carriers, hence why he picked the Navy. While there, he mainly worked with the catapults. He was physically fit on his first days of boot camp, therefore the activities did not seem as hard. His service ended in July, worked as a carpenter afterwards. He made close relationships while in the Navy and now lives in Peabody working as a computer technician.
Richard Carnevale
Persian Gulf War and Iraq War
Richard Carnevale is from Beverly, Massachusetts, and he served in both the Persian Gulf War and Iraq during the years 1980 to 2010. He was enlisted in the army when he was in college, and his reason for enlisting was because he wanted to serve his country. Richard says his training was intensive, and that he was an environmental engineer. On his first day of service, he was excited because he was ready to serve. He remained in touch with his family first through letters, and then through the Internet. Richard is proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country.
Persian Gulf War and Iraq War
Richard Carnevale is from Beverly, Massachusetts, and he served in both the Persian Gulf War and Iraq during the years 1980 to 2010. He was enlisted in the army when he was in college, and his reason for enlisting was because he wanted to serve his country. Richard says his training was intensive, and that he was an environmental engineer. On his first day of service, he was excited because he was ready to serve. He remained in touch with his family first through letters, and then through the Internet. Richard is proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country.
Joe Macrina
World War II
Joe Macrina is a 92 year old veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943-1946. He was a Flying Lieutenant as well as a co-pilot. He went to boot camp at Miami Beach in 1943. To keep in touch with his family, he would use Liberty Ship Mail. One of his most memorable memories was meeting and working with General Patton. Because of his service, Joe has earned multiple ribbons and stars. After his service, he felt more grateful of his life than ever. Some of the highlights of his life was meeting the Prince of India Ali Khan, Frank Sinatra, etc. Joe now enjoys eating McDonalds breakfast as well as going to Hampton Beach in the morning to look at the ocean. Joe also has been playing the piano at the Peabody Senior Center for the past 6 years.
World War II
Joe Macrina is a 92 year old veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943-1946. He was a Flying Lieutenant as well as a co-pilot. He went to boot camp at Miami Beach in 1943. To keep in touch with his family, he would use Liberty Ship Mail. One of his most memorable memories was meeting and working with General Patton. Because of his service, Joe has earned multiple ribbons and stars. After his service, he felt more grateful of his life than ever. Some of the highlights of his life was meeting the Prince of India Ali Khan, Frank Sinatra, etc. Joe now enjoys eating McDonalds breakfast as well as going to Hampton Beach in the morning to look at the ocean. Joe also has been playing the piano at the Peabody Senior Center for the past 6 years.
Alfred Prudhomme Jr.
Vietnam War
Alfred grew up in North Borough, MA and went into the Navy two weeks after his high school graduation. He remained in the Navy for 28 years. He joined the Navy because he loves the ocean. Alfred served on the destroyer(USS Valdez) and in Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia, Italy, and Egypt. He liked to learn the cultures of the places he was stationed. After he retired he joined a volunteer training unit. He currently enjoys fishing, canoeing and hiking.
Vietnam War
Alfred grew up in North Borough, MA and went into the Navy two weeks after his high school graduation. He remained in the Navy for 28 years. He joined the Navy because he loves the ocean. Alfred served on the destroyer(USS Valdez) and in Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia, Italy, and Egypt. He liked to learn the cultures of the places he was stationed. After he retired he joined a volunteer training unit. He currently enjoys fishing, canoeing and hiking.
Francis Burke
World War II (1944-1946)
During his service, the food was pretty good, however the cake had bugs in it.
He lost three ships and another was damaged. He had to leave before the Japanese got them. Burke found that everyone got along. While away, he was able to keep in contact with family through letters. He never on ship fight, only shooting or bombing. He was on some of first ships to come home; in Tokyo Bay when MacArthur signed treaty. He met wife, Joyce, at age 22/23 in Beverly. After the war, he got a job in an iron factory and then became a meat carver. Okinawa and Iwo Jima- shooting at night, could see the flashes; shot at aircraft carriers- many Japanese suicide bombers on USS Astoria- a heavy cruiser- 1200 people/cruisemen. Hid job: 5-inch gun, powderman. He never had fun at islands, went off ship to have fun. He had happy hour and men would fight. Ship was new- about size of battleship- 6, 5-inch guns- 4, 8-inch guns; 40mm machine guns.
World War II (1944-1946)
During his service, the food was pretty good, however the cake had bugs in it.
He lost three ships and another was damaged. He had to leave before the Japanese got them. Burke found that everyone got along. While away, he was able to keep in contact with family through letters. He never on ship fight, only shooting or bombing. He was on some of first ships to come home; in Tokyo Bay when MacArthur signed treaty. He met wife, Joyce, at age 22/23 in Beverly. After the war, he got a job in an iron factory and then became a meat carver. Okinawa and Iwo Jima- shooting at night, could see the flashes; shot at aircraft carriers- many Japanese suicide bombers on USS Astoria- a heavy cruiser- 1200 people/cruisemen. Hid job: 5-inch gun, powderman. He never had fun at islands, went off ship to have fun. He had happy hour and men would fight. Ship was new- about size of battleship- 6, 5-inch guns- 4, 8-inch guns; 40mm machine guns.
Victor Bogarda
World War II (1943-1946)
Victor was born on April 4, 1925 in Peabody. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army and served all over Europe like France, Czechoslovakia, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and Central Europe. At first Victor was a heavy machine gunner for the 605th and then became a sgt. in communication handling. He also served in the 345th Infantry Regiment. His most important war experience was serving under General Patton and even saw him while working on a tank.
World War II (1943-1946)
Victor was born on April 4, 1925 in Peabody. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army and served all over Europe like France, Czechoslovakia, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and Central Europe. At first Victor was a heavy machine gunner for the 605th and then became a sgt. in communication handling. He also served in the 345th Infantry Regiment. His most important war experience was serving under General Patton and even saw him while working on a tank.
Earl Gagnon
Persian Gulf War
Earl Gagnon was born in Beverly in 1970. At the age of 18, enlisted in the Marines. He was first stationed in North Carolina, and later Okinawa, Japan and the Persian Gulf. His rank was a Corporal. He fought in the Persian Gulf war where he formed lasting friendships. While he was there, he was able to save prisoners of war. His service made him realize that the citizens of the United States need to appreciate how privileged they are compared to people living in other countries.He completed his service in the Marines in 1992.
Persian Gulf War
Earl Gagnon was born in Beverly in 1970. At the age of 18, enlisted in the Marines. He was first stationed in North Carolina, and later Okinawa, Japan and the Persian Gulf. His rank was a Corporal. He fought in the Persian Gulf war where he formed lasting friendships. While he was there, he was able to save prisoners of war. His service made him realize that the citizens of the United States need to appreciate how privileged they are compared to people living in other countries.He completed his service in the Marines in 1992.
Arthur Gerokoviis
Korean War (1954-1955)
Arthur served in the Korean War stationed at the Norfolk Harbor in Virginia. He served from 1954-1955. He worked on underwater demolition. In the mornings he would swim 5 miles down the Norfolk river. He worked as an environmental engineer and traveled the world. While traveling the world he discovered a slave ship with gold.
Korean War (1954-1955)
Arthur served in the Korean War stationed at the Norfolk Harbor in Virginia. He served from 1954-1955. He worked on underwater demolition. In the mornings he would swim 5 miles down the Norfolk river. He worked as an environmental engineer and traveled the world. While traveling the world he discovered a slave ship with gold.
George Pappas
World War II
George Pappas grew up in Peabody, MA. He was born on August 28, 1925. He served in the Navy, PMB Squadron 201, for two years after he got drafted while attending Tufts University. He enjoyed the food while he was serving. The reason why he decided to serve in the Navy was because he didn't want to serve in the Army. When he came back from serving he went back to Tufts and got his degree in electrical engineering. His daughter is now a teacher and his son took after him by also becoming an electrical engineer.
World War II
George Pappas grew up in Peabody, MA. He was born on August 28, 1925. He served in the Navy, PMB Squadron 201, for two years after he got drafted while attending Tufts University. He enjoyed the food while he was serving. The reason why he decided to serve in the Navy was because he didn't want to serve in the Army. When he came back from serving he went back to Tufts and got his degree in electrical engineering. His daughter is now a teacher and his son took after him by also becoming an electrical engineer.
Corporal Ernie Barbeau
Vietnam War (1966-1968)
Ernie Barbeau was born in 1943 in Massachusetts and was drafted into the Marines in 1966 to serve in the Vietnam War. He completed his basic infantry training at Parris Island and later completed jungle warfare training at Camp Pendleton in California. Upon his completion of training, he was assigned to the Fourth Infantry Division, Third Marine Division.
According to Ernie, few Marines were drafted during the time he was drafted. Volunteers were needed for the Marine Corps and his name was the first one called. He was enrolled in evening law classes at Suffolk at the time of the draft after attending Georgetown University as an undergraduate student. Corporal Barbeau saw little combat action and is appreciative of his position within his headquarters and company. He received “Certificate of Commendation” ribbons during his service, and began a career in the food industry when he returned home from service. He recalls with appreciation the interactions between him and his fellow Marines, and enjoys the Peabody High School Junior Rotary Club Veterans Breakfast because it serves as a reunion for him and his fellow veterans.
Vietnam War (1966-1968)
Ernie Barbeau was born in 1943 in Massachusetts and was drafted into the Marines in 1966 to serve in the Vietnam War. He completed his basic infantry training at Parris Island and later completed jungle warfare training at Camp Pendleton in California. Upon his completion of training, he was assigned to the Fourth Infantry Division, Third Marine Division.
According to Ernie, few Marines were drafted during the time he was drafted. Volunteers were needed for the Marine Corps and his name was the first one called. He was enrolled in evening law classes at Suffolk at the time of the draft after attending Georgetown University as an undergraduate student. Corporal Barbeau saw little combat action and is appreciative of his position within his headquarters and company. He received “Certificate of Commendation” ribbons during his service, and began a career in the food industry when he returned home from service. He recalls with appreciation the interactions between him and his fellow Marines, and enjoys the Peabody High School Junior Rotary Club Veterans Breakfast because it serves as a reunion for him and his fellow veterans.
Bob Gagnon
(1988-1992)
Bob Gagnon was born in Beverly, Massachusetts. He joined the military in 1988 and served for 4 years. He said that he clearly remembered bombs going off in the battlefield and he could never forget the moment when it was over, and he got back to his family. When he came back he took a cooking job and started to realize how privileged America was. He did not attend any reunions, but he got to traveling and went to the Bahamas and Aruba.
(1988-1992)
Bob Gagnon was born in Beverly, Massachusetts. He joined the military in 1988 and served for 4 years. He said that he clearly remembered bombs going off in the battlefield and he could never forget the moment when it was over, and he got back to his family. When he came back he took a cooking job and started to realize how privileged America was. He did not attend any reunions, but he got to traveling and went to the Bahamas and Aruba.