It Was In My Blood

I come from a long line of family members who served in the military and I'm proud of every one of them.

My father, Ray Ross "Smitty" Smith, Jr., served in the US Naval Reserves during World War II as an Aviation Machinist Mate 1 and was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.  He enlisted 5 Feb 1942 in Kansas City, Kansas, was sworn in 10 Feb 1942 and was discharged 29 Sep 1945.  

My grandfather, Linzie Sheldon Roberts, served in the Kansas State Guard during World War I in Company A, 26th Battalion under Captain John M. Garrison.  He was a corporal.  He served from 26 April 1918 to 28 Mar 1919.  

A number of my uncles also served and here are photos of some of them.

Arthur Franklin "Artie" Roberts
US Army, World War II, Private
30 Aug 1943 to 7 Dec 1944

Elbert Earl "Earl" Roberts
US Army, World War II
22 Aug 1942 to 20 May 1943

Walter Ray Roberts
US Army, World War I
8 Jun 1917 to 3 Feb 1919

Leo Undine Smith
US Army, World War II
1 Mar 1944 to 11 Jun 1946

Wilmer LaVerne Smith
US Navy, World War II
21 Oct 1942 to 8 Dec 1945

Ellis Wayne "Wayne" Smith
US Army, World War II
26 Mar 1941 to 26 Oct 1945

John Franklyn Smith
US Army Reserve
29 Jul 1962 to 29 Jan 1963

And then, there's me!!

Kansas Army National Guard
Larned, Kansas
17 Feb 1976 to 4 Dec 1981

Kansas Air National Guard
Wichita, Kansas
5 Dec 1981 to 29 Aug 1990
Battle Creek, Michigan
30 Aug 1990 to 30 Sep 2005