Military reflections: Family business

Posted on by Xpress Staff
Alan Yeck

Alan Yeck served on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps from September 1979 to September 1982. Stationed at several bases throughout his military career — including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Kaneohe, Hawaii — he achieved the rank of corporal.

What drew you to enlist?

My grandfather drove a tank in France in World War I. My father served in the U.S. Air Force in World War II, the Korea War and Vietnam War. My oldest brother was a MASH [Mobile Army Surgical Hospital] helicopter pilot in Vietnam, and his wife was a MASH nurse. Next brother was U.S. Air Force, killed on active duty. Next brother was U.S. Army. I joined the USMC. Family business.

How has your military service influenced who you are today?

I enlisted at a young age and was immediately put on the fast track to adulthood. Honor, dignity, respect and appreciation for freedom are part of my Marine Corps and core.

When it comes to discussing service with a veteran, what advice would you offer citizens who have not served?

Be sincere in your rapport. You are asking to learn more and to understand. I would stay away from discussion on combat and war, though, unless they want to share that. Just be sincere.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “Military reflections: Family business”

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.