2023 East Valley Veterans Parade Service Marshals

We are honored to be joined by our 2023 Marshals as we remember their service and sacrifice, and that of the millions of Veterans they represent. We proudly present our 2023 Marshals.

USMC First Sergeant John LordGrand Marshal

USMC 1st Sergeant John Lord joined the Marines in 1965, “I saw a report about Vietnam, and they talked about bad it was for the men who were already there. So, I turned to my mom and said ‘Mom, those guys need my help and I gotta go.”

He attended boot camp at Parris Island and after a short time at Camp Lajeune, he headed to Camp Pendleton, CA and deployed to Vietnam, once he was there, he was transferred to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines in 1966. He served a year there and then was transferred back to the US. After another year of service, 1st Sergeant was sent back to Vietnam in 1968 and he assumed since he had already been in Vietnam, they would assign him to the rear. To his surprise, he was reassigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines as Platoon Sergeant.

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7th Marines at that time was at the forefront of actions against the enemy. While out on maneuvers Kilo Company were all carrying extra heavy packs through rice paddies. The heat was unbearable and the packs were slowing them down. They were ordered to drop their packs about halfway through the rice paddy and as they continued onward towards a tree line, Kilo Company inadvertently walked into a L Shaped ambush set up by the Vietcong.

The incoming rate of enemy fire they were experiencing was overwhelming, there in at a terrible rate and they had no cover. They received orders to fall back through an open rice paddy, again with no cover and completely open fields. The enemy started to increase fire with automatic weapons, many Marines were wounded and killed.

1st Sergeant John Lord saw the skipper and gunny were hit and and moved both men to safety, he also saw that the radioman was having trouble calling in air support due to a hit in the femoral artery in his leg. 1st Sergeant John Lord grabbed the radio and proceeded to take command in order to call in air support and get his men to safety.

Up until that time, Headquarters thought Kilo Company was in a small firefight and were slow to react and send support. When 1st Sergeant John Lord called in, it helped get things moving as they realized it was not a minor fire fight, but not quick enough.

“We tried to get as many men as possible back within a safety zone. Men were everywhere on the field. The firing never stopped. I cannot say enough about the Corpsmen. They were busy helping the wounded and they all got wounded themselves, sometimes more than once or twice and they still didn’t stop tending the wounded.”

“The relief column finally made it through to help us at about 8 or 9 pm at night, after three days of fighting. There were 33 of us left out of 113 Marines in Kilo Company. 22 were killed and 68 were wounded, many of them in critical condition as we had been out there for so many days.”

Kilo Company had been ambushed by a Vietcong NVA Battalion, which had between 500-700 men in fortified, dug in bunker positions. Kilo Company had no cover, beyond a small dyke in the open rice paddy.

“Many of those Marines fought with all they had and more, if they hadn’t of fought so hard, the way they did, none of us would be here today. I don’t want any of the men who died that day to ever be forgotten. Many of those Marines who died, they gave their lives so others could live. We were outgunned and outmanned. If those men hadn’t of given 110% no one would have survived. They died doing their jobs and fought with gallantry. I don’t want any of them to ever be forgotten, especially the men who died.

1st Sergeant John Lord continued to serve in the USMC until he retired in 1985.

For the younger generation, 1st Sergeant John Lord stated, “If you want to join the Marine Corps, or any military branch, I have two things to say. First, get in good physical condition. Most young people will not get accepted because they are not in good physical condition. The Marine Corps is very strict, and it will be tough, but they will teach you what it means to be a Marine, and what it means to have honor. Second, when you go in, go in with a good attitude. You have a job to do, so focus on that. It is really important no matter what job you get to keep a good attitude, because a good attitude will open doors that a bad attitude will close.”

HIGHLIGHTS

USMC 1st Sergeant John Lord has received many awards and citations during his 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably from 1965-1985.

“Receiving The Navy Cross is an honor; I will not deny that. But the biggest honor to me, is that my men fought 50 years to get me that.”

Awards include the Navy Cross, The US Navy’s 2nd Highest military decoration for extraordinary heroism, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation (3), Meritorious Unit Citation (3), Good Conduct Medal (6) with Silver Device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (6), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

1st Sergeant John Lord is also very involved in the community and volunteers his time for the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 8 in Mesa, Arizona. He has volunteered as a Service Officer for the last 3 years and is committed to assisting other Veterans. He is honored to be chosen for this year’s Grand Marshal of the East Valley Veterans Parade.

Sergeant Bob KingArmy Marshal

Sergeant Bob King joined the Army in 1965 and served honorably until 1971. He saw combat in Vietnam with the Army’s 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, 4th Infantry, otherwise known as “The Famous Fighting Fourth.”

“The 6 years I served with the Army had the most significant impact on me – more than anything else in my life. I volunteered because I wanted to make a difference of my own choosing. I didn’t want to wait for the draft because I wanted to make that decision for myself.”

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Sergeant Bob King saw combat almost every day while serving in Vietnam. “We helped as many people as we could in South Vietnam. We were there to help and do our job and that is what we focused on. I am proud of the service we offered, fighting for freedom and helping others who didn’t have that choice. I am also proud of the men I served with. We had four Medal of Honor recipients in our unit. We were fighters, and we were dedicated.”

“There were a lot of courageous men who served in Vietnam; I think it is really important that every citizen of the United States understand that we would not be a free country and a free people without the service of our veterans in all branches of the military.”

Coming home to the US after the war, was another story. Sergeant King and his unit looked forward to coming home, but encountered Anti- War protesters and activists, mostly influenced by the political climate in the US at that time.

“A lot of things were going on in the US when we came home, Civil Rights, Women’s Lib, Anti-War, you name it. We got caught up in it as we came home. We were the targets for all that hate, anxiety and fear. We just went through years of living hell and when we returned, we were not welcomed nor were we recognized for our service. It was very hurtful.”

It has been 50 years since the end of Vietnam War. Our theme for the parade this year is “Vietnam Valor” and while thanking and recognizing our Vietnam Veterans is important, and is appreciated, many Veterans feel that official recognition seems a little late, almost an afterthought.
“I believe that ALL Veterans should be welcomed home, thanked and supported when coming home. When you see someone in uniform, take the time to thank them. Doing so will be appreciated more than you know and will be remembered.”

When asked what he would share with the younger generation, or those thinking of joining the Army, Sergeant King stated, “Military service is the most honorable thing you can do for your country. I believe everyone should serve. When you put on the uniform from the Army, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard, you are standing up and fighting for freedom! You’re fighting for the future of freedom and you are honoring all the Veterans who came before you who also fought and died for freedom.”

“It is a privilege being chosen as the Army Marshal for the East Valley Veterans’ Parade. I appreciate the honor and the opportunity.”

HIGHLIGHTS

Sergeant Bob King is committed to community and dedicates his time to assisting other veterans. He currently volunteers for the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 8, in Mesa, Arizona and has done so for the past 10 years. “I will continue to volunteer my time to assist other Veterans for as long as possible. There are men and women out there who need our help and I want them to know that I am here for them.”

Personnelman First Class Carol Ellis and Lt. Commander Jim EllisNavy Marshals

Navy Marshall Jim Ellis

Lt. Commander Jim Ellis, USNAVY (Retired) joined the Navy in 1966 and honorably served 25 years until his retirement in 1991.

Lt. Commander Ellis was a skilled electrician for many years, repairing and maintaining nuclear ships and submarines. He served aboard 6 different ships and learned early on that the Navy had educated him in a more rapid way than life would have, if he hadn’t have joined. He saw combat in Vietnam between 1968 – 1971, saw most of the Northern Hemisphere during his service, was stationed at Norfolk and in San Diego and was responsible for important work aboard nuclear cruisers and auxiliary ships. In looking back over his service, Mr. Ellis stated, “Overall, I felt valued and rewarded, and would do it all again if asked to.”

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Lt. Commander Ellis (Retired) is committed to assisting his fellow veterans and volunteers his time with Disabled American Veterans, a nonprofit created in 1920 by World War I veterans for disabled military veterans and their families. For over 10 years he has offered his skills and passion as a volunteer Service Officer for DAV, Chapter 8 in Mesa, Arizona for and says that the Chapter assists between 300-500 veterans a month.

For the younger generation, Lt. Commander Ellis had this to say, “I highly recommend Navy Service and I think that everyone should serve in the military. It will teach you self-discipline, honor and your outlook on life will be forever opened as you travel and serve your country.”

Navy Marshall Carol Ellis

Personnelman First Class, Carol Ellis, joined the Navy in 1982, during a time when women were first being allowed to serve aboard ships. As one of the first female sailors, Carol encountered challenges that tested her strength and endurance. She served with 80 other female sailors aboard ship, paving the way for future female sailors. “It was a challenging time, and it took a lot of strength and courage. It was not fun, but it was necessary. That experience taught me a lot. I was determined to make it through despite the anti-female consensus at the time. I made it through and continued with my Navy career.”

Highlights of her career included attending Personnel Specialist School, serving aboard the USS Dixon, becoming an instructor in San Diego, and being stationed at the Naval Air Stations in Japan and Hawaii. Petty Officer 1st Class Ellis, was on the doorstep of being made Chief, before deciding to retire and enlist in the Naval Reserves, where she served an additional 6 years while raising a family.

For the younger generation, Carol states, “It is very important for women to stand their ground, especially for women in the service. Do not retreat in the face of fear or stigma, and make sure you get the respect that is due you for your hard work and service.”

In addition, Carol is thrilled and excited about Admiral Lisa Franchetti’s appointment to lead the Navy, as she will be the first woman to be a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Committed to the community, Carol also volunteers her time as a Service office with the DAV, Chapter 8, in Gilbert, Arizona and has served in this position for over 10 years. In 2019, she was designated as the Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year by DAV, State of Arizona.

HIGHLIGHTS

Navy Marshal Jim Ellis and Navy Marshal Carol Ellis are the East Valley Veterans’ Parade first couple to serve as Marshals! They are both committed to the community and to assisting other Veterans.

Master Sergeant David MinickMarine Corps Marshal

USMC Master Sergeant David Minick joined the Marines in 1964 and served 20 years until his retirement in 1985. During that time, Master Sergeant Minick served in Vietnam and was wounded on the ground during the Tet Offensive of 1968 when enemy rockets were thrown into the area where Minick and his men were sleeping.

In addition to seeing ground combat, Master Sergeant Minick was also a helicopter gunner, a position for which he volunteered his service. Prior to Vietnam, helicopters were not armed and were used primarily to move men and supplies.

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During Vietnam, armed helicopters became one of the most important assets to US Forces. The gunships could now protect themselves and troops during flight as they moved in and out of LZ’s or Loading Zones.

Master Sergeant Minick stated, “Vietnam was guerrilla warfare and the only way you could get in and out was by using the helicopter. If we hadn’t put the guns on we would have been totally defenseless.”

Master Sergeant Minick is the recipient of a Purple Heart, 6 Air Medals, Navy Commendation as well as a Vietnam Service Medal with 5 stars for his 5 tours of duty, and a Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

“My time in the USMC was the best 20 years of my life. I learned a lot about myself and the Marine Corps instilled in me a deep sense of pride, purpose and confidence right from boot camp. I am honored to be selected to represent the USMC for the East Valley Veterans’ Parade and I am thankful for the opportunity to remember and honor the brave men I served with.”

When asked why it is important to honor and welcome home Vietnam Veterans, even after 50 years had passed, he stated, “It is very important. Many of the men who served in Vietnam were drafted. They simply didn’t have a choice. None of us had a choice about following orders. We went, we did our jobs and we came home. We went from a war zone in the jungle and wanted nothing more than to come home to friends, family and comfort. We came home to groups of people who called us names, harassed us, and shamed us for serving! They used our families, friends and our own country as a weapon against us vets. So, it is really important to reach out to the Vietnam Veterans in the community and let them know that their service was important and appreciated. The men who got drafted especially need to be thanked because they were forced to go and had no choice.”

For the younger generation, Minick stated, “Absolutely sign up and go in the Marine Corps! You will learn so much about yourself and it will change your life. Take advantage of being part of something honorable.”

Community involvement is very important to Master Sergeant Minick and he is a member of the East Valley Marines, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and making a difference for veterans in need. He has been Commandant for the East Valley Marines for two tours, is presently serving on the Board of Directors and has volunteered his time for several years.

HIGHLIGHTS

Master Sergeant Minick is the recipient of a Purple Heart, 6 Air Medals, Navy Commendation as well as a Vietnam Service Medal with 5 stars for his 5 tours of duty, and a Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

“My time in the USMC was the best 20 years of my life. I learned a lot about myself, and the Marine Corps instilled in me a deep sense of pride, purpose and confidence right from boot camp. I am honored to be selected to represent the USMC for the East Valley Veterans’ Parade and I am thankful for the opportunity to remember and honor the brave men I served with.”

Captain Ross “Kemo” EckelAir Force Marshal

A life-long passion for airplanes brought USAF Captain Ross “Kemo” Eckel into the US Airforce in 1967. After attending high school and graduating from ASU, he was stationed at Williams Air Force Base in Mesa, now known as Phoenix-Gateway Airport. He graduated from an intensive flight training program there known as “The Year of 53 Weeks.” The mission was to train as many pilots in a short frame of time to prepare them for service in Vietnam.

Captain Eckel was stationed at Danang Air Base and saw combat in Vietnam. One of his first assignments was to a gunship squadron which utilized 1930’s airliners that the military had equipped for action by removing seats and cargo doors and adding three large guns to each plane. These large aircraft became known as “Spooky” and only flew night time missions during Vietnam due to their size and slowness. Their mission was to help protect troops on the ground.

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Captain Eckel, stated, “We only flew missions at night and when we went out, it was with the purposeful intent to protect our guys in the jungle. Oftentimes, these brave men would sleep on hills and try to get some rest. We would come in and circle around them all night and protect them from the enemy. Sometimes we opened up with one, two or three guns all at the same time, but we got the job done and protected our men.”

HIGHLIGHTS

USAF Captain Eckel flew 317 missions in Vietnam in the AC-47 Gunship, also known as “Spooky”. Additionally, he flew 56 missions in the B-52 bomber, also in the Vietnam War. After his war tours, he flew B-52 bombers out of Grand Forks, North Dakota until his separation from the USAF in 1973. One week after leaving the service he married his wife, Sherry. He and his wife have lived in Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and, as of August 2017, Arizona. Together they enjoy horses and often invite people to ride with them and experience the peace and beauty of the forest from horseback. They are celebrating 50 years together this year, as well as celebrating Sherry’s recovery from cancer.

USAF Captain Eckel has received a Presidential Unit Citation from President Nixon, 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 22 Air Medals, and a Vietnamese Service Ribbon with Silver Star.

For the younger generation, Captain Eckel states, “I would highly recommend service in the USAF. They will train you on what you are interested in, and that is experience that you can’t buy. You will grow up fast and you will learn a lot. Military service is an honorable thing that most people won’t or can’t do, so if you get the chance, grab it and make your mark for freedom.”

Petty Officer First Class Jack IsaacsonCoast Guard Marshal

PO1 Jack Isaacson USCG (Retired) served 34 years in the service, during which time he was involved with many projects that improved communications between air, ground, and sea including satellite development and rescue operations. He joined the Coast Guard on June 10, 1966 and served until he retired March 26, 2003.

Isaacson was first assigned to the USS Unimak and later served aboard the USS Mackinaw, the largest ice cutter on the Great Lakes. During his time on the Great Lakes, he worked closely with the Canadian Ministry of () during rescues and other important missions, which required skills in coordination and communication.

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During his service on the East Coast, Isaacson took part in many USCG patrols in large sections of the Atlantic Ocean known as the Florida Straights. One of the highlights of his career included being involved with technology challenges and changes in navigation and communication. Some of these changes were important precursors to the modern technology we use today.

HIGHLIGHTS

Some of the navigation programs he used helped the Coast Guard predict when and where NASA astronauts would need to be retrieved from their capsules during the time when capsules would land in the ocean. Isaacson was also assigned to work on Airforce 1 and 2, and was also the recipient of the Coast Guard Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service, one of the Coast Guard’s highest honors.
Isaacson states that his many years in the service were similar, but interconnected, and each chapter brought a special challenge, which kept things interesting. He has fond memories of serving Airforce 1 and enjoyed meeting Presidents, First Ladies and other important people. Many of the projects he worked on helped to usher in major navigation and communications changes in the military, improving the capability of ships, submarines, planes, satellites, ground forces and even spacecraft to effectively communicate through advances in technology.

When asked what advice he would give the younger generation, Isaacson stated, “Keep focused on your career, listen to the Chiefs and Warrant Officers who have more experience than you and always ask questions if you have them.”