By: Megan Zapalac
Those who have fought and serve are among us, but their stories are only shared if asked— and some go unheard. Through scars and smiles, three local veterans shared their stories of service and hardships.
Having retired as a sergeant major in the U.S. Army, 81-year-old Emigdio Ramos, said his career began during the Vietnam War and wrapped up in the early 2000s.
Being one of 15 kids, Ramos said at one point five people in his family served in the military all at once. Both of Ramos’ sons are in the military, one is an Apache pilot while the other serves in the Navy.
Emigdio Ramos – the face of a dedicated solider (Photo By: Megan Zapalac)
Ramos said he served in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars and was stationed in Colorado, Wisconsin, at Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort Polk, LA, and the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, MD.
Having experienced hardship both on and off the battlefield, Ramos shared each chapter of his story. From having heart surgery during Vietnam to manning a machine gun in Operation Desert Storm, the most vivid memory he recalled was that of injury and loss while in Maryland.
While at the Army Chemical Center, Ramos said a mortar shell exploded, shooting him about 10 feet in the air and causing injuries to both of his knees. When he came to, he learned the incident had claimed the lives of two of his friends.
With the scarring on his legs prominently displayed, Ramos also shared happier moments. When stationed at Fort Polk, Ramos learned he had a surprise waiting for him— his brother whom he had not seen in five years.
Emigdio Ramos – wounds from mortar explosion (Photos By: Megan Zapalac
“We faced each other, and I said ‘that’s my brother,’ and then later he said he cried,” Ramos said.
The tearful reunion was the to highlight his and his family’s dedication to service, Ramos said.
Although Ramos shared the bittersweet moments of his career, other veterans hold a different view of their time and service.
Robert Rinarison, a Vietnam veteran with two Purple Hearts, served as a private first class from 1967-69, said his experience of the Vietnam War was “bad.”
“It was misled by the generals, (it) was misled by the politicians and there were so many things wrong,” Rinarison said.
Robert Rinarison – Vietnam survivor. (Photo By: Megan Zapalac)
With the troops and their resources spread as thin as they were, soldiers on the ground bared the brunt of the war’s casualties, he said.
“Officers would spend six months in the field and six months in the litter by the time they learned something,” said Rinarison. “They were gone if they lived that long.”
Unlike the others, Gerald Vannes, a National Guardsman, served in both Texas and Oklahoma and deployed to a war zone prior to Vietnam. Vannes was in the 49th Infantry Division for six years beginning his career in the Korean War and was discharged at the start of the Vietnam War.
“It was a lucky time in the National Guard,” he said. “We fought during the Korean War, but we didn’t have to go to Vietnam because we served during the Korean War.”
Gerald Vannes – proud National Guardsman. (Photo By: Megan Zapalac)
During his service, Vannes said part of his responsibility was to reopen military bases across the nation so soldiers could train before going into war. He assisted in the reopening efforts of Fort Knox, Fort Hood, Fort Polk and more.
“You know you’re serving your country, your people, your family and it’s just a thing in your heart.” Vanness said. “It’s (a proud feeling) to be a serviceman.”
For more information on how to assist veterans in the Lubbock area please call the Veterans of Foreign Wars at 747-2668.
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