Article 2, Volume 12
Memorial Day May 30, 2022
Just to name a few of the many East Suffolk Alums who served proudly in the military
Looking back, it looks like it was an easy task to serve in the military after high school, or as many did just drop out of school and join the Army. But it was not really that easy. We were putting our lives on the line for our country. It does not matter whether we served in peace time or war time, we were making a sacrifice.
Many young men and women from our communities were maimed or killed while serving our country. This story is dedicated to them. Especially, remembering the soldiers who sacrificed their lives so that we could have a better life in the United States.
I cannot name all of them, but there were many who joined the military and returned home more focused on what it takes to be a man. This task was not easy when you consider that the men I'll be talking about came up in the Jim Crow era. We served in an integrated environment and returned home and saw that the job markets and many other opportunities were closed. Using our military skills, and knowledge of brotherhood, many of us were able to adjust and make our communities a better place.
I could name many, but I am just going to name a few now. I will continuously expand the list in the future.
(1) Spear Bullock, dropped out of high school after the 9th grade, joined the Army, became a sergeant, and excelled in the computer field.
(2) James Savage, dropped out of high school around the 9th grade, joined the Marine corp, became a sergeant, and served honorably during the Vietnam war.
(3) Billy Brown, lived on Charlotte Ave, graduated from high school, and served honorably in the Marines during the Vietnam war.
(4) Ernest Gore Dixon, graduated from high school, joined the Army and became a decorated sergeant, and served in Vietnam.
(5) Frank Kahan, graduated from high school and served in Vietnam. Retired as a detective from D.C. Police De[artment.
(6) Eugene Scott, an outstanding athlete, graduated from high school. Served honorably in the Army.
(7) Frank Mabry, graduated from high school and served honorably in the Army.
(8) John Riddick Jr,, brother of Mirian and Yvonne Riddick, served honorably in the Air Force.
(9) Woodrow Green, lived in the Norfolk Roads community, graduated from high school, and retired as a decorated sergeant from the Army.
(10) Lawrence Weaver, perhaps one of East Suffolk High's top 20 all-time athletes, graduated from high school, joined the Army, and retired as a sergeant.
(11) Richard Wheeler, graduated from high school and served in the military.
(12) Archie Elliott, served in the military. Afterward, he became a noted judge in Portsmouth, Virginia
(13) Carol Boone, graduated from HS, class of 1958, graduated from Virginia State Univ, served in the military, and retired with the rank of Colonel or higher.
(to be continued) This list will be perpetually increased
I am receptive to posting names that are sent to me at my email address.
Copyright 2022 Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved
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