My Navy Connections

I've been working on family history for quite a few years, and I've just this week come around to the fact that I have a larger (wider?) connection to the US Navy than to the USAF.  This was a surprise to me, as my father was career USAF and served in Germany, Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam, along with a dozen or more bases in the US.  

Shawn, my first child
taken about 2012

My son, Shawn, joined the Navy in 1971 and retired in 2014, serving on submarines at Bangor, Pearl, Kings Bay, and also assignments in California and South Carolina, prior to retiring as a Chief.  His father, MSH (my sweet husband), did not serve in the military but was a super supportive dad.  

If you have read some of my earlier posts, you may recall that MSH was adopted at birth, and in finding his biological father we learned that HE was also in the Navy.  He served during WWII, followed by many years in the Montana National Guard.

Earl Hansen, the father-in-law I never met

Kenneth Brown

In addition to these fine guys, my great-uncle Kenneth Brown was also in the Navy in WWII, as was MSH's uncle Jack Soderling.

My own family, both paternal and maternal, has served in every war back to the beginning of this country, so I probably shouldn't be surprised when I find these connections.  

Jack Soderling

My real interest comes with the fact that in my DNA work with adoptees and NPE folks (not parent expected), I am amazed at the number of men I am finding that also have a USN connection.  

Take care, dear readers, and enjoy the end of summer wherever you are!

Williams Family in Walla Walla!

 Family get-togethers are a wonderful opportunity to visit, catch up on what everyone has been doing since our last meeting, and see how big our younger folks are become.  Fact... I am quickly becoming one of the shorter people in my family. 

Four Generations, Scar, Logan,
Shawn, Dolores, Emily, Debra

A total of 29 family members joined in for some or all of the week, July 24 to 29, 2023, in Walla Walla, Washington, coming from as far away as North Dakota and Nebraska.  This area in the southeast corner of Washington state has long been known for   "Walla Walla Sweets" onions, but has also become a wine-mecca over the past several decades.  

My mom, Dolores  (age 87), was joined by her three children and spouses/partners, seven of her nine grandchildren and some spouses/partners, along with seven great-grandchildren, for a total of 29 people attending the fun week.  The food offerings were wonderful, and a 50th birthday party with cake and balloons was held for Shawn, the eldest of those grandchildren.  

Logan, Emily, Jeanette

Wednesday was "lake day" which was spent at Bennington Lake.  People brought paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes, and there was lots of swimming and splashing around in the water.  

Logan Standing on paddleboard

I managed to get a few short bike rides in, including a ride out to the lake and back, and I handed out family history/Mayflower line packets to the great-grands in attendance.  

So, I managed to address BOTH of my passions of genealogy and cycling during our vacation week!

I hope you are having a wonderful summer, dear readers.  

Me with my sweet little Bike Friday "Emerald"