Veterans Day.....do remember

John Vondra, my maternal grandfather fought in the Infantry with the American Expeditionary Force as a Private First Class during WWI in France and Germany. My father, Ted R. Gorski served in the South Pacific aboard the USS Haskel, a landing ship transport, as a radarman 1st Class during WWII. My now deceased Uncle, John Vondra, son of the above mentioned John Vondra, served as a Marine fighting the ground war in the Pacific Theater of War; he fought at Iwo Jima and several other battles against Japanese Imperial Army Forces. I served as a member of the USN as a Medical Officer (physician) during the Viet Nam War. We all made it back home safe and sound but I am sure that I can speak for my deceased Grandfather,Father and Uncle, we all will remember those who did not and those who did but with significant injuries and disabilities that would present challenges for them for the rest of their lives.

Today remember all, those who gave their lives, those who were injured, those who served in any capacity that was assigned to them; they all served as part of an American Armed Force that made this country able to continue and to assure each of us the blessing of freedom. Do not forget the men and women who serve today,risking their lives abroad and at home for the safety and security of this One Nation Under God.

Belated Thanks for Serving Your Country

Nothing new, I am usually a day late and a dollar short so this should not surprise you. I just wanted to say "thanks for the service you gave to your country and for the sacrifices you made". I extend this salutation to the the relatives on my wife's side of the family who fought in the Revolutionary War right up to the current conflicts. Many of her uncles never made it back from the Pacific and their remains are only known to God.

I especially want to thank my maternal grandfather, John Vondra who fought in WWI in France as an Army infantryman; following the war came home to run a gas station on Pulaski Ave. in Chicago. My father, Ted R. Gorski, a radarman second class who served on the USS Haskell, a landing ship transport of troops in the Pacific. On returning home he drove a bus for the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) for over 35 years. Also my uncle John Vondra, the son of the above John Vondra, who was a marine in the Pacific and fought in most of the major Pacific island battles. He made it back and got married to my Aunt Carrie and raised a family in Los Angeles.

Lastly thanks to all the servicemen and women I served with in the various Naval Hospitals I was stationed at; it was a privilege and honor to be associated with all of you. Lastly, but always in my prayers, are the marines and naval personnel patients who gave so much and asked so little in return. I will always remember you. God be with you all.