[SAMWolf]

Thanks for sharing that about your Uncle.

I used to know a guy who joined the Coast Guard for the same reason, ended up in Vietnam anyway.

[Ligeia]

I was just poking around on the United States Merchant Marine Academy site yesterday. I hadn't known much about them.

Two veteran related stories in the newspaper this morning:

State issued 442 honorary high school diplomas to vets in 2002
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ The Virginia Board of Education issued 442 honorary high school diplomas last year to veterans who were unable to finish their education because of their military service.

and

Bedford financial accord at hand? D-Day Memorial lawyer optimistic
Officials at the National D-Day Memorial Foundation in Bedford hope for good tidings in the new year, and an answer to the organization's ongoing financial woes.

Happy New Year to all our Vets and their loved ones!