My dad was drafted into the US Army in the summer after his sophomore year in college. He completed his basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. At the end of his basic training, 50% of his unit was sent to Korea and 50% was sent to Europe. My dad was stationed in Berlin, Germany, and served in the 6th Infantry Division.

He was also in charge of the baseball program at the base, having played college football and baseball. After receiving his discharge, he returned to Illinois to complete his bachelor's and master's degree in education on the GI bill and taught and coached high school for 40 years.

 - Lori Ward