A fair number of our relations have served in the military over the years. As we remember on Veteran’s Day, I thought we might take a quick look at some of them.

We’ve covered a few of them in various posts over the last year, such as this post about Walter Wellman. Noel Manley’s service was covered in this post. Michelle’s uncle Paul James was also a service member. Not all the family member’s served in the U.S. military. Gerhard Wellman served in his native country before coming to the U.S.

Walt’s great-grandfather, John Swisher Hole, served in the Civil War as a private with the 40th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He fought at Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga. We have much more of that story to tell after we took a trip to the area earlier this year.

Crescentia Wellman served in the Air Force as a nurse. She joined in 1953, during the Korean War. Crescentia served in several locations both in United States and around the world. She retired in 1981 as a Colonel. Crescentia is Walt’s first cousin once removed. We will have more of her story to tell later.

Charles Russell Durfee is Michelle’s great-uncle. He served in the Marines in WWII. He was mortally wounded on Saipan on June 17, 1944. Again, there is much more to his story.

Charles Russell Durfee, being awarded a medal during the Pacific Campaign. He earned the Navy Cross and was awarded the Silver Star posthumously.

We appreciate all the people who have served their countries.