My first heroes were GRANDPAS!

I don’t feel like my family is one of those with a long line of military history.  The men in DH’s family have all served our country, but my family’s service is here and there.  My parents both went to college after high school and established their careers, my dad being too young to have served in Vietnam.  Regardless, there are shining [military] stars in family that I would love to share with you.


Today was an “Ask And You Shall Receive” kind of day.  I was telling Ann Marie @

TSgt Robert W. Pooler, Christmas 1943

My dear Papa (1920 – 2006).  Papa enlisted in the Army for a short period of time in the World War II era.  Per my uncle, “He volunteered and did some basic training at Ft. Riley, then they took a troop train to New Orleans and boarded a troop ship and sailed for Panama.  They finished their training on the ground there.  He was assigned to a anti-aircraft post in the mountains based on his marksmanship.  Somebody finally read his file and discovered his talents in shorthand and typing and then suddenly he was at Headquarters and an NCO working in an office.”


Donald D. Wildman, US Army, WWII




My Grandpa Wildman.  Grandpa died early in my college career, far too early in my mind.  I miss him.  My brother and my cousins made so many wonderful memories as kids at my Grandpa and Grandma’s old house in Bakersfield, CO.  We used to spend a week there every summer, hanging out and playing in the pool.  We all miss those times, those were the good ol’ days.  I know DH would’ve gotten along fabulously with Grandpa.  Grandpa loved John Wayne movies and loved to laugh.  He was super tall (that side of the family runs about 6’4″), he had a great smile, and was very outgoing.  I definitely think that runs in the family.  🙂  He was the commander at his American Legion hall and had a 40’s themed 70th birthday party.  I wish I could’ve enjoyed that as an adult.  The only downside to Grandpa was that he was a double degree holder from USC, although he was still proud of me for attending UCLA.

Both of my grandpas were strong, upstanding men of integrity.  Both were proud soldiers and loved to share about their time in service.  I am so proud that my grandpas both served our country during World War II.  These gentlemen were definitely members of The Greatest Generation.  They are true American heroes and both are firmly lodged in my heart.

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I’m a 31 year old Navy sister, Army wife - Air Force wife to a prior service Marine/Soldier, and an Air Force Reservist. I am a happy wife and mother. My husband switched branches and joined me in the Air Force Reserve. We look forward to a future of dual military service!

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2 Comments

  • the whyte housesaid
    November 11, 2010 at 10:46 pm

    the photos are so great! i only have one of my dad at marine boot camp in 1946 and it is one of my favorite photos in my whole house!!

  • Trinnie Ssaid
    November 12, 2010 at 7:53 am

    Your Grandpa Pooler is definitely a Pooler! I can't believe how much I can see your dad and uncle in that pic!!!

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