On this Memorial Day I am remembering the members of my immediate family who served in the Armed Forces.

Colonel Norwood Hughes
11/10/1914 – 09/25/1992

My Uncle Bud was a career soldier. He served in the Western front in World War II.

Private Eugene Hughes
10/1/1924 – 07/04/2006

My Uncle Gene lied about his age to join the Army in World War II. He was captured by the German Army and spent time in a prisoner of war camp.

Sergeant Hazel Adele Wilson
05/19/1917 – 12/08/2001

Aunt Hazel was one of the first women to join the Women’s Army Corp.

General Jack Lloyd Wilson
01/30/1919 – 05/04/1999

My Dad was in Tinian in the Pacific during World War II. Dad was very mechanically inclined and he helped to develop the IFF (Identify friend or foe technology). While clearing the house I came upon his certificate of commendation for his efforts in the war. He remained in the Army Reserve all his life and was made a General.

Master Sergeant Michael Eugene Wilson
12/03/1946 – 08/29/2013

Mike was a Vietnam veteran. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Chaplain’s Assistant. He won the Bronze Star for bravery when his unit came under attack and he rushed out and threw two of his fellow servicemen onto his shoulders and carried them to safety.

And to my Mom who was a war bride

Mary Jane Hughes Wilson
07/06/1926 – 05/26/2010

They are all gone now but on this Memorial Day I am remembering them with love and pride.