MFRI is proud to have a number of veterans working on our staff. This month, Outreach Facilitator Phil Turner, a veteran of the Cold War, tells us about his service then and now.
Q. What made you decide to join the service? Why did you pick the service branch you joined?
In my junior year of high school, a U.S. Army sergeant and Vietnam Special Forces veteran addressed our student body to share his stories of how he survived the 1968 Tet Offensive. This alumnus of our high school was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart but 95 percent of his unit was killed or wounded. His words stayed with me and in August of 1970, I enlisted — in part due to him, but also my father, who served in the USMC during the Korean War. Also, many of my cousins were serving at that time. I chose the Army partly due to that Army Ranger who took the time to speak to us.
Q. What are some of your memorable experiences?
I served two years deployment in Europe with 3rd Armored Division, NATO forces during the “Cold War” as a battle tank crewman, seeing countries like France, Holland, and Switzerland. My most memorable experience was on a training range near the Czech border. During a morning tactical maneuver our armored battalion was traversing through a heavy Nazi-fortified area from World War II. As I rode along, outside the hatch of my M60-A1 battle tank, I saw herds of sheep grazing in the meadows around us and on several hill sides in the distance were burned out concrete machine gun bunkers. We also passed many remnants of foundations from several villages destroyed by the war. The beauty of the meadow in the sunrise contrasted with the reminder of the battlefield. I will never forget the scene that morning and thinking about how many were sacrificed for our freedom on that field.
Q. When did you get out of them military? What have you been doing since then?
I was honorably discharged from active duty in 1972. I had agreed to serve at least one year in the Indiana Army National Guard. I stayed with the CAV unit 2.5 years total. I have been active in my local American Legion Post 10, Marion, since the mid-eighties. I have held several offices and am currently the Service Officer serving members and all Vets in a 10 County region.
Q. Why did you decide to continue working on behalf of veterans?
I can answer this question with one word – respect! Respect is the core attribute of anyone who has served this nation. We all share a common respect for our forefathers who many gave all for us. Respect for the flag, for the laws of our land and a respect for our constitution. Respect is a very important part of the principle of discipline. Respect is the discipline or the “cornerstone” of what allows people to live within a family group or in a society successfully. As a veteran, I respect our community, state and nation.
Q. What do you like best about your job?
I do not consider it a “job.” The best thing is MFRI gives me the honor of meeting so many outstanding people. Some are veterans/military members but many are not. They all have a huge heart and volunteer in their individual communities.
Q. What would you say to people about the significance of Veterans Day?
Remember our heroes in past and present wars on Veterans Day, but work in some way all year long to help someone who is serving or has served.