A Military Family

I am writing this letter to share a story about a family of veterans.
In 1963, I married my wife, Linda Mitchell. She was the daughter of Burndetta and James Mitchell of a coal camp in Summerlee, W.Va. I knew she had a lot of siblings. What I did not know was the service record this family had. My wife’s brothers were all older than her. I didn’t know until years later that they all served in the military.
Here is the low-down about my wife’s family. There were eight brothers and five sisters. Dallas Mitchell served four years in the U.S. Army. James Mitchell served three years in the U.S. Army. Robert Mitchell served four years in the U.S. Navy. Charles Mitchell served ten years in the U.S. Air Force. Buster Mitchell served ten years in the U.S. Air Force. Freddie Mitchell served four years in the U.S. Air Force. Denzil Mitchell served four years in the U.S. Air Force. All of them have since passed away. Donny Mitchell, her youngest brother, served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and lives about two hours from my house.
Now, about my wife and her sisters. Norma’s husband, John McGorman, served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Betty’s husband, Jim Hardesty, served three years in the U.S. Navy. Dreama’s husband, Sonny Naylor, tried to enlist, but was rejected because of his feet having extremely high arches. I, George Taylor, am married to Linda and I served from 1963 to 1968 in the U.S. Army. Lastly, Brenda’s husband, Charles Boaz served four years in the U.S. Navy. When Mrs. Burndetta Mitchell was asked how she handled all her boys in the service, her response was that she prayed for their safety and left it in God’s hands. All that served from this family came home safely. However, most of them are gone now. Linda has one brother, three sisters and two brothers-in-law still living.
This family’s military service has continued today with nieces and nephews that serve in various military branches and the Coast Guard. This family has covered all branches of service. Over sixty years later, I am still trying to help and encourage veterans.
To all my fellow veterans and their families:
Thank you for your service and may God bless you!
God bless the U.S.A. and our military!