I'm a Vietnam Veteran, (FMF Hospital Corpsman) who had the honor of serving with Kilo and Lima Companies, 3rd Batt., 5th Marines in I Corps, RVN in 1969. I came back to the World approximately an ounce overweight.
I'm 62 years old, married for TWENTY-ONE! glorious years to mfkmmof4 (aka "Chick") with six children (two grown) and live in the People's Republic of Maryland.
My elder daughter has recently graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Maryland in College Park. She has accepted an instructorship in the Fine Arts Department at Florida State University.
Tawes Fine Arts Building, Univerity of Maryland
My younger daughter is a Junior at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia.
Barbelin Hall, St. Joseph's University
Stained Glass Window, St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church, Laurel, Maryland
Parishioner of St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church, 1989 to date. Liturgical Cantor, St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church, 1992 - 2007. Member, St. Mary of the Mills Chancel Choir, 2000 to date. Member, St. Mary of the Mills Parish Council, 2005 - 2008. (Vice Chairman, 2006-2007) Member, St. Mary of the Mills Liturgy Committee. Member, Knights of Columbus Archbisop Curley Assembly #383
Member, Knights of Columbus Patuxent Council #2203 (Lecturer, 2004-2006)
Member, American Legion Post 60
Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Life Member, 1st Marine Division Association
Photo is of me, HM/2 Thomas J. Mitchell and HM/2 Glenn G. Simpson in the 3/5 rear area in An Hoa, Quang Nam Province, RVN in early August, 1969. We went to Field Med. School at Camp Pendleton together, came in country the same day, were assigned to the same battalion, and were wounded minutes apart in the same engagement. We were medevaced out to the 95th Evac. Hospital in Danang on the same chopper.
Photo is of me and my father, Cdr. T.G. Mitchell, MSC, USN on August 25, 1969 at NNMC Bethesda, Maryland when he presented me with my Purple Heart Medal. Later the same day, he retired from the Navy after 24 years of service both as an enlisted man and officer. After finishing Hospital Corps "A" School, I was stationed at USNH, Quantico, Virginia, where I was a ward Corpsman on the surgical ward. From there, I went to Field Medical Service School at Camp Pendleton, California prior to deployment to Vietnam. I was wounded in action when my platoon was ambushed on August 18, 1969. I was then medevaced through Clark AFB and USNH, Agana, Guam back to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. I was in hospital, on convalescent leave and then on limited duty until February, 1970.
For the last two years of my enlistment I was stationed at NNMC Bethesda. I was separated from active duty in 1971 and received my Honorable Discharge in 1973.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
FREEDOM ISN’T FREE!
I pledge allegiance To the flag Of the United States of America And to the Republic For which it stands One Nation under God, indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for all.
A Hospital Corpsman’s Prayer
Lord, As I embark upon this path that you, in your infinite wisdom, have set before me, I pray that you will guide my hand, my heart and my mind. Keep me faithful to my oath, always aware of the seriousness of my duties, and above all the sacredness of life. Let me not be a glory seeker, but rather a servant, as You the Great Physician to whom all Glory belongs, served even us. Help me face the trials before me, death of those I come to love, and personal disappoinments without losing heart or faith. May I place first the welfare of those entrusted to my care, and self last. Above all Lord, protect me from my pride, for there is nothing I can do through what skill I may possess that is not in your will that it be done. Amen
