HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AIR FORCE: Memories Of My Favorite Military Man

Author Jenny Bender | Kicks Wake Up Krew

September 18th, 2020 3:09 PM

Today (9/18), the United States Air Force celebrates its 73rd birthday. I didn’t want to let this day pass without paying tribute to my favorite military man: my Grandaddy.

He served our country during World War II, as a member of what was then called the Army Air Corps.  My Grandmother kept photos and memories of those years perfectly preserved in photo albums, which I still have today, just as she arranged them.

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  My Grandad's first military portrait, 1944

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  In 1944, shortly after marrying my Grandma, Grandaddy enlisted in the military, joined the Army Air Corps, and was stationed overseas in Japan & Germany.

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  A gifted artist, Grandaddy was tasked with drawing out maps, models of planes, and more. Here he is, seated at his desk & busy at work.

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  A little down time in his bunk.

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  Grandaddy eventually became a Sergeant in the Air Force.
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  My Grandmother hung this flag on her door for the three years that Grandaddy was stationed overseas.

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  My Great-grandmother - Grandaddy's mom - also kept this flag hanging on her door during WWII. One star for each her children, all of whom served.

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  In the three years that my Grandfather served overseas during WWII, he was granted one four-day leave to come home and visit my Grandma. They always referred to this visit as "Four Glorious Days." (Their first child was born nine months to the day after that visit, so I guess that tells you how glorious it really was!)
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  Grandmommy & Grandaddy were married for 62 years when she passed away in 2005.

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  Sergeant Leonard M. Ham, Sr.

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  I still have his full uniform (including his hats & helmet, which aren't pictured here.)

Happy birthday, Air Force! 

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Author Jenny Bender | Kicks Wake Up Krew

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Air Force,America,Birthday,Grandpa,Military,United States