March issue

By Margarita Ruiz JohnsonJune 25, 2009

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

I am the short young female at the early age of 19 on page 5 (March 2009 issue), in the center of the picture. I was completing my training at Fort McClellan, Ala., and waiting for orders to go to Fort Harrison, Ind. to attend the finance and accounting school.

During my tenure, I served at Fort Rucker, Ala., and rose to the rank of specialist, E-5 in 18 months during the Vietnam War.

After completing my military service, I used the G.I. Bill to obtain my bachelors degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and my masters from the University of Houston at Clear Lake City.

I have written three books, one of which is on the life story of my father in law, Maj. Gen. Chester L. Johnson (who was a World War II prisoner of war of the Japanese, and who survived the Bataan March).

For me, it has been an honor serving in the military and recording the notes for future generations.