As Veteran’s Day comes upon us, why not speak with one about his service?

Jerry Peeples served in the army for two years from 1965 to 1966 during the Vietnam war. He was drafted along with many others during this time. “Back then I was excited to get a uniform, you know all the girls liked the uniform,” Peeples reminisces. He says his family was scared at the time, “You know because of all the fighting, and shooting, and the killing.”

Peeples was actually stationed in Korea because of a meningitis outbreak at the place he was supposed to originally supposed to be going. He was stationed on a hill on a mountain top about 5 miles high. During his time, he went to school and was taught how to operate generators, and would go on to take care of them when get got overseas.

While in Korea, many of the village citizens were very poor and would attempt to break into the base for food. Sadly, sometimes the guards would be forced to shoot at those who attempted to break in. But other times, Peeples and the rest of his unit were able to show kindness and give the leftover food from the mess hall to the people.

Something that Peeples enjoyed while in the army was being able to experience new places. He got to see and tour the capitol buildings in Washington D.C., go through a zoo, see Tokyo, and explore other areas. He made some lifelong friends during his time. He even keeps in contact with one of them today.

The most important lesson Peeples learned while being in the army was patience; To take your time on things, especially important ones. He also said he changed a lot while being in the army, however he can not remember how he changed because of how long ago it was.

Jerry Peeples is a very nice man, and it was very kind of him to share stories about his time in the army. Remember to be extra nice and kind to the veterans in your life this Veteran’s Day, and listen to the stories they have to tell if they are willing to share them. You may just learn a little something from the experience.