Chu Lai, Vietnam
Gordon L. Aleshire is a well-known member of the Raymond VFW Post 968 and the American Legion Post 150. Instead of risking being selected in the draft he willingly joined the army. While deployed to Vietnam with the 132nd Assault Support Helicopter Company he earned the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. The 132nd ASHC was deployed to Chu Lai, Vietnam for 42 consecutive months and managed to only lose two aircraft.
Aleshire was able to find some time in his busy schedule to answer a few questions for the Herald about his dedicated service to his country.
Where did you grow up? Can you tell us about your life prior to the military?
I grew up in Salem, Oregon. Graduating from South Salem High School in 1965. My mother's parents and one of her brothers lived close to us. Weekends often included watching them play a Pinochle game. Grandmother often took my sister and I to church on Sundays. My grandfather and uncle had a small farm and I got a chance to drive tractor for him and helped an uncle harvest grass seed.
Why did you join the military? What branch did you serve in and what was your MOS? Any accomodations or awards during your service?
I had tried Community College after high school but only went two quarters. I had a couple jobs but was going nowhere. I was concerned about the draft so I enlisted in the Army and selected aircraft maintenance. So in January 1968 I did basic training at Fort Lewis followed my helicopter school at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
My first assignment was a posting to South Korea as a Flight Engineer on a CH 37 helicopter. My second assignment was to the 132 ASHC in Chu Lai Vietnam on a Chinook CH 47. While there I earned a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service and an Air Medal. I was discharged after three years service.
How did the military change your life? Did it make you grow as a person? What have you done since leaving the military?
Military service helped me firm up my sense of duty to the community and gave me a better sense of discipline. After military service I returned home to Salem where I met my wife Lora and we married in 1972. We have three children. Our oldest son is a Lt Colonel serving at Fort Gordon, GA. Our second son is a manager with Goodwill and our daughter is a medical assistant. I spent 35 years in local government serving in three cities and one county. I retired from Pierce County after 21 years and moved to Raymond a few years later.
I continue to serve my community as the Adjutant and business manager for the American Legion Post 150 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 968 and serving in the Willapa Methodist Church. My wife Lora and I are very happy to have move to Raymond.
November 11 marks the day when we take a moment to reflect upon the men and women who have served and continue to serve our great nation. Many have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our very freedom. Those who have served continue to live on with the inner and outer scars of war while many continue to give fight to ensure we remain a free country.
Veterans Day provides a small opportunity to give appreciation to each and every veteran for their selfless sacrifice.The Herald would like to thank all Veterans for their service to our country and the sacrifices they each have made.
"All gave some, some gave all."
Today we thank you all.