This Veteran's Day, I Honor My Father

Marion Pollock

November 11th is Veteran's Day.  This year is the 100th anniversary of when the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month brought an end to The Great War also known as The War to End All Wars and for the past 70-plus years has been known as World War I. November 11th was originally known as Armistice Day because of WWI, but in 1954 it was changed to Veteran's Day to honor all veterans.

My dad, Marion Pollock, was a Veteran of the Korean War.  He served in the Air Force as an Airman First Class (AFC) with the Fifth Air Force and after basic training at Lackland AFB, San  Antonio, Texas he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He was then transferred for his first tour of duty in Korea and transported there on the ship Daniel I. Sultan.  

---

The troop transport ship "Daniel I. Sultan"

Dad was 20 years old on July 27, 1953, when the Sultan was at sea with him on board on its way to Korea when word was received that an agreement on a Korean Armistice had been reached at P’anmunjŏm. ​ 

Dad in Korea

​During his tour of duty with the Fifth Air Force he was stationed at K-9 air field near Pusan, South Korea, he served in various capacities including as a driver for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida. He also worked loading ordnance and maintaining weapons systems on the Air Force's F-86 Sabre Jet. After his one year tour of duty in Korea,  he was stationed at Carswell AFB, Fort Worth, Texas until his tour of duty was over in 1955. 

---

I am proud and thankful for my father's honorable service to his country. Let's not forget or take for granted the rights and privileges we enjoy today due to the millions who served.

Dad in Military Dress Uniform