Army Taught Skills for a Lifetime

[jcroach1]

This is an article my Dad wrote for the local paper 9 years ago today. Dad died a month ago. Thought I'd share. I'll post the pictures when I find them.

 

November 10th, 2001

The Lebanon Reporter, Lebanon Indiana

Remembering Those Who Serve (Veteran’s Day Supplement)

 

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“Army Taught Skills for a Lifetime”

 

I joined the U.S. Army in March 1953, under a special program where you could choose your special training. I chose an offset printing course in Ft Belvoir, Va. I had been working at a weekly newspaper in Greencastle during high school and for two years after graduation. The offset pressman course was a chance to learn a new form of printing since I had only worked in hot type as a Linotype operator.

 

After completion of the pressman course, I was assigned to the Air Force (Special Category Army with Air Force) and shipped to Japan aboard the USS General G.M. Randall. I remember the little song 'The Navy gets the gravy and the Army gets the beans.' We did get the beans, for breakfast on the ship. I also remember guys hanging over the rails of the ship, really sick for the

14 days we were aboard.

 

After debarking near Tokyo, Japan, we were taken to an air base south of Tokyo by the fastest train I have ever seen. Then we were taken by plane to Taegu, Korea. I was assigned to a typographical unit. We worked out of four vans,

one for the camera, one for the plate maker and two for the presses. One of the pictures I have enclosed is of myself inking my press and getting ready for the day's “run.”

 

We were in Taegu about three months when the unit was deactivated since the fighting was over and there was no need for the type of printing we were doing. I was sent to a construction battalion near Kunsan by the Yellow Sea. The runway was built along the sea and at high tide the runway would flood. I was in charge of some civilian Korean men to build a pump station to pump the water back into the sea. Believe it or not, it worked.

 

The things I remember most about Korea was the weather, hot and cold, the smell of rice paddies and the orphanages. Another picture I have included is some of the children from the orphanage in Taegu. I am standing in the middle of the pyramid. The small house in the background housed about 40 children. The other servicemen and I enjoyed taking them candy, gum and a little money, as well as playing with them.

 

I came back to the states and spent the balance of my three years in Texas and Louisiana. I came to Lebanon in 1956 to work for Mr. and Mrs. Carney Evans, after they bought Pioneer Printing from The Lebanon Reporter.

 

I feel the Army gave me an opportunity to develop a career that I would use most of my life and the opportunity to serve my country.

 

MAY GOD BLESS THE USA

James R. Roach

Lebanon

 

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U.S. Army

1953-1956

Specialist Second Class

[Rakkasan187]

Mr Roach,

 

A wonderful story written by a true warrior. My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Your father was in Korea about the same time my father was. My dad was with the 7th Infantry Division, Special Troops as a finance specialist..

 

Thank you very much for posting this wonderful story. I look forward to seeing pictures of your dad.

 

:salute: Rest in Eternal Peace Specialist Roach..

 

Leigh..

[Brian Dentino]

Mr. Roach,

I too wanted to thank you for posting up your fathers letter. It was a very interesting read, and just goes to show that the military has helped many out there build that "can do" spirit that is so vital to our Nations make up. My condolences on your fathers passing, and my gratitude to you for sharing his story with us here. RIP Specialist Roach. :salute:

 

BTW, went to school in Bloomington. One of my favorite areas of the Country that I have ever been too. Just beautiful. Go Hoosiers!!!!!! How bout that B-Ball pick up for Crean? Nice! :thumbsup:

[jcroach1]

Mr. Roach,

I too wanted to thank you for posting up your fathers letter. It was a very interesting read, and just goes to show that the military has helped many out there build that "can do" spirit that is so vital to our Nations make up. My condolences on your fathers passing, and my gratitude to you for sharing his story with us here. RIP Specialist Roach. :salute:

 

BTW, went to school in Bloomington. One of my favorite areas of the Country that I have ever been too. Just beautiful. Go Hoosiers!!!!!! How bout that B-Ball pick up for Crean? Nice! :thumbsup:

 

Thanks for posting! Yes, Bloomington is beautiful, especially in the fall. Although the dry summer we've had has made short work of the fall colors.

 

I've never really followed IU basketball much (more of Div. III guy) but my Dad loved the Hoosiers. I was able to take him to a few games before his dementia made it so he couldn't enjoy it any longer. Yeah, Zeller will make a splash I'm sure. I've wanted to see a game int he Washington Hatchet House for some time. Maybe I'll go down this season. It's supposed to be a great place to watch basketball.