John Glenn High School Alumni
Westland, Michigan (MI)
Alumni Stories
Ronnie A. Gainer
Class of 1967
After Graduation I went to work at the Wayne Assembly June 22, 1967. After a year I was Drafted August 20, 1968. I did my Basic Training at Ft. Knox, Ky. After Basic Training l was sent to Ft. Polk, La., during that time more Troops were needed in Vietnam. Because of the urgent need for Troops in Vietnam, we were put in an excelled Cycle, we had less time to learn how to fight the Viet Cong. So, on January 1969 I arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to the First Air Cavalry D 2/12 Cav., Which was an Combat Infentry Unit.
I turned 21 in Vietnam, after awhile I got used to the hot Jungle and bugs. Then on May 6, 1969 I was wound in an Ambush along with several others. I didn't think I would survive, but was so happy I was able to make the rest of my time with the guys that backed up each other every day.
I came back to the States January 1970. My new assignment was at Ft. Hood, Tx.as a Tank Commander on a Sharidan (M551). I was Stationed at Ft. Hood until August 20, 1970. I came home, went back to work at Wayne Assembly. I worked a Total of 39 years, retired on September 1, 2006 as Skilled Tradesmen.
I don't want to bore you with too much information. I didn't mention that I went to Wayne State University on the GI BILL for three years and my last year was paid for by Ford Motor Company.
I failed to mention that after Graduating from Wayne State University I spent two years as a Missionary in Brazil.
The next part of life, I starting to get involved with some Veterans Organizations. I became a Lifetime Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and Lifetime Member for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. I was active with both Organization. As I spent more time with the Military Order of the Purple Heart Organization in Jackson, Michigan as Adjutant for Chapter 799 and Finance Officer. Late I started going to the Conventions, there was one in the Spring and one in the Fall. I was First asked to be the Welfare Officer for the State of Michigan, next I was asked to be the Chief Of Staff for the Department of Michigan. I then was voted in the Jr. Vice Commander, then Sr. Vice Commander. This year I'm the Department Commander of Michigan Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).
That's about it, this time next year, l'll be a Past Commander.
I turned 21 in Vietnam, after awhile I got used to the hot Jungle and bugs. Then on May 6, 1969 I was wound in an Ambush along with several others. I didn't think I would survive, but was so happy I was able to make the rest of my time with the guys that backed up each other every day.
I came back to the States January 1970. My new assignment was at Ft. Hood, Tx.as a Tank Commander on a Sharidan (M551). I was Stationed at Ft. Hood until August 20, 1970. I came home, went back to work at Wayne Assembly. I worked a Total of 39 years, retired on September 1, 2006 as Skilled Tradesmen.
I don't want to bore you with too much information. I didn't mention that I went to Wayne State University on the GI BILL for three years and my last year was paid for by Ford Motor Company.
I failed to mention that after Graduating from Wayne State University I spent two years as a Missionary in Brazil.
The next part of life, I starting to get involved with some Veterans Organizations. I became a Lifetime Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and Lifetime Member for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. I was active with both Organization. As I spent more time with the Military Order of the Purple Heart Organization in Jackson, Michigan as Adjutant for Chapter 799 and Finance Officer. Late I started going to the Conventions, there was one in the Spring and one in the Fall. I was First asked to be the Welfare Officer for the State of Michigan, next I was asked to be the Chief Of Staff for the Department of Michigan. I then was voted in the Jr. Vice Commander, then Sr. Vice Commander. This year I'm the Department Commander of Michigan Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).
That's about it, this time next year, l'll be a Past Commander.
Recent Members
| Anna Anna Bair | 1973 |
| Betty Berry Booth | 1967 |
| Jody Gideon | 1974 |
| Leonard Lacroix | 2007 |
| Mark Glegola | 1985 |
| Richard Hava | 1982 |
| Richard Kerr | 1974 |
| Ronald Kinunen | 1966 |
Military Alumni
Honoring Our Heroes
This area is dedicated to our alumni that have served or are serving in our armed forces!
Lost Class Rings
Have you lost your John Glenn High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Rockets lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
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Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!