For many men who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s, they remember it as a great time to be an American. Being a “Baby Boomer” was a great experience for many. A defining element of the 50’s was the Cold War, and the 60’s proved to be a time of change in America. Growing up during these years would often eventually lead the young men of the United States to make an important decision: Sign up for the US Military or wait to potentially be drafted and sent to Vietnam?
Terry Hogg was born in June of 1953 and grew up in Greensburg, Indiana. In 1971, Terry and his good friend Rob Hood where about to head to Indianapolis to join and saw their friend Jeff Meyer working at a local gas station. Jeff’s boss thought he was simply going to lunch, but Jeff was ready to join them. That afternoon, Terry’s mom Nelly Hogg took all three boys to Indianapolis to take the military entrance evaluation test. “Rob and I were supposed to be on the buddy system, it didn’t work out that way unfortunately”.
In November 1971, Terry Hogg enlisted and took off for the US Air Force to attend Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas. Upon graduating basic training, he was sent to Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL. “It was the coldest weather I had EVER experienced. I hated it. We had to wear leather masks on our face. Definitely lets you know how cold it was and the cold weather technology of the time.” While at Chanute, Terry trained to work on Aerospace Ground Equipment. Upon graduation from tech school, he was shipped to APO San Francisco where he would find his final destination to be his first permanent duty station: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam. “I was 18 years old and found myself in Vietnam. When I arrived and walked off the plane, it felt like I was in an oven. It was such a complete shock and contrast to my experience at Chanute AFB. I had transitioned from what I thought was the coldest place in the world to the hottest. After showering, I would immediately be soaking wet from sweat before I could even dry off.”
Terry was in Saigon for nine months when President Nixon stated that the Vietnam War was coming to a “conclusion as a result of the plan that we have instituted.” At this point, Terry was flown to Tokay, Thailand where was to spend a total of four months and be eventually sent home. “I was told I was going home, but was rather sent to Tacoma, WA for six months.” At this point, Terry decided that he would be willing to go back to Thailand if his service was going to be extended. “I had put in my request and made a voluntary statement that I wanted to serve in Thailand. Ironically, I was advised that if I wanted to go back to Thailand, that I needed to withdraw this statement which lacked all possible logic. Going against my logical reasoning, I withdrew my statement requesting to be stationed in Thailand, and was then assigned to Thailand shortly after. I simply cannot make this up. Anyone who ever served in the military can understand.” SSgt Hogg would spend 13 additional months in Thailand totaling over 560+ days served in Southeast Asia. At one point, Terry hadn’t spoken to his parents for over 3 months. The Red Cross was notified and the communication line between Terry and his parents was open once again.
In 1975, SSgt Hogg was honorably discharged from the US Air Force and was sent home. When he returned home, he saw his mom walk by prompting the following conversation:
- Son: Who you looking for lady (in jest)?
- Mother: I am here to see my son.
Terry was flabbergasted. “She didn’t even recognize me. She simply walked right past me. I had grown up. The boy that left her was now a man.”
In 1976, Terry was ready for another challenge. He signed a three year enlistment in the Army Reserves as a Sergeant serving as a Field Director Commander (FDC). Terry’s time in the Army Reserves was a little bit less eventful. He laughed when sharing the fact that his only deployment in the Army Reserves was to Chicago during the mail strike.
Overall, Terry’s experience in the military was a positive one that has proven to be something in which would be proud of. “I loved the travel, it made me grow up and mature at a very fast pace.” Terry went on to earn a Degree in Architectural Design & Building Construction. After many years raising his family and running the family business, Terry is thrilled to be a part of StoneBridge Trucking which is American Veteran Driven. “I enjoy the work and the people. I really enjoy the customer service aspect of our job, and appreciate the comradery I share with the StoneBridge team and the veterans in its ranks.”
