This week at the Michael Saunders & Company sales meeting for the Sarasota offices, we asked our Veterans in attendance to stand as we took a moment to thank them for their service to our country.
Afterwards, I sat briefly with Gil Schulze, B.J. Ratigan, and Timothy P. Field as they each shared a glimpse into their service history. To the MSC team members that I didn’t get the chance to speak with, and to anyone who has bravely served, we invite you to comment below. And from all of us on this Veterans Day, we thank you for the part you have played in protecting our freedoms.
Realtors Gil Schulze, B.J. Ratigan, and Timothy P. Field
Gil Schulze
Where and when did you serve?
US Air Force Intelligence Service from 1966-1971
I was stationed in Korea and acted as a Korean interpreter and translator. No one knew what we were doing at the time. It was top secret. Even my wife didn’t know.
What is one thing you learned?
I learned about discipline and respect. I also learned how to budget. I was making $90/month when I started.
What are you grateful for?
I was grateful to survive. I was also grateful to learn about a culture totally different from our own. Most people would never have been exposed or learn about what it’s like to live in Korea if not for this experience.
Any lasting feelings?
Vietnam was not popular back home but I felt a sense of duty and was proud to be defending my country.
B.J. Ratigan
Where and when did you serve?
I served from 1968-69 in Vietnam. I was part of the US Army Aviation Unit. My job was to fly and observe; I’d navigate into combat areas.
What are you grateful for?
I was lucky to come back. There was a lot of risk in what we were doing. It’s a pretty unique experience to be shot at.
What is one thing you learned?
I learned the discipline of the military approach to doing things and the ability to find ways to get the job done without necessarily having the tools.
Timothy P. Field
Where were you trained?
Fort McClellan Alabama. My actual training was CBR: Chemical/Biological/Radiological.
What was your specialty?
Essentially, I was trained to plot the fallout of a nuclear bomb blast. I served six years in the Sarasota Army National Guard from 1969 – 1975.
Please comment below with any words of thanks or details of your own service history.