Page 15 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2023 - Online Magazine

air force
Korean War

As Thornton’s time in the service came to an end, banks in Lubbock, and I retired from SPS after 42
“We got ready to come back home. I was flown to years. We had a lot of adventures and met a lot of
Lowry AFB near Denver where I stayed for two good people along the way.”
weeks, and I was discharged on October 22, 1955.
I got paid $900. That’s the most money I had ever “I went on the 2015 Honor Flight with my son
seen! I rode a train to Paris, Texas, to Lavern’s folks. Ken. I really enjoyed visiting with other veterans.
I had bought a new 1953 Ford and stored it in the The Korean War Memorial was my favorite—all
barn there while I was gone. The rats had gotten in those soldiers looked so realistic, slopping through
the car and ate up the wiring, so I had to rewire it. the mud and cold on patrol.” Elvis was one of 6.8
On the way home to Lubbock, the water hose blew million Americans who served during the Korean
out near Guthrie, but a guy came by and helped War period. Its outcome had a tremendous impact
me. Back then, the pavement ended at 34th Street on the direction of world history. We owe them all a
and Avenue Q. I went back to work for SPS. They debt of gratitude.
had held my old job for me while I was away in the
service. Lavern and I had three children: Kenneth,
Ronald, and Angelia. Lavern continued working at

Thank you for making a difference.

Making a difference requires sacrifice, commitment and
integrity. At ALLIANCE, we share the same values. As a not-for-
profit financial coop, with roots serving Reese Air Force Base, we
are committed to making a difference in the lives of our members
and the communities we serve.

To those who served and sacrificed, we salute you.

Each account insured up to $500,000.
By members' choice this institution is not federally insured.

Lubbock Senior Link 15