Family of Honor
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I, with the help of many others, was able to document our family's military history which can be traced back over 230 years ago. My Aunt Lynne was able to track one family member back to the Dunmore War's of 1774 between the colony of Virginia and the Shawnee and Mingo Indians. My family has served in just about every war to include the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm, and has served in over 20 countries, for which some even participated in the initial invasion. They were awarded ribbons and medals for things we can only read about in history books, watch on TV, and see in movies. One family member was awarded the Purple Heart while others have been awarded Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman Badges, Combat Action Ribbons and numerous campaign and service medals. We have served in every branch of the service including the Army National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Artillery. When you read this book, take note of the many heroes for whom you are related to. Take note of the many sacrifices they made which enabled you to be here on this earth reading this book. Think of how many lives were touched by each of these individuals. Think of the family members that stayed at home waiting for their loved one's to return home. Put yourself in their shoes for just a moment and see how it feels.
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About the Book
I often imagine what it would have been like to be able to have served in the Navy during World War II instead of serving when I did. I have to think that it was a tough time for all but especially the civilians who had to deal with rationing and watching every move they made due to security risks. The part that I would have liked is the music of the era and going to all the live bands that used to play during that time, like Glenn Miller, Louis Jordan, and Benny Goodman. The sailors of that time saw ports of call that are restricted to history books now like Shanghai, Athens, Malta, and Marseille. I also would have liked to wear my uniform all the time like they used to; unlike now where civilian clothes are authorized all the time. It just feels like there was something special about that time while in the military and maybe it was because there was a different kind of war on. The war back then was embraced by all in one way or another; whether you liked it or not, you still supported it. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a different period of time? Open the pages of this book and see if you don't just go back to a different time. Take a journey as far back as the Dunmore War's of 1774, before there was a United States, and see if you can put yourself there. The nice thing about this book is that you have over 230 years to pick from. Just be careful what period you pick from or who you think you'd like to be; not everybody returns.
About the Author
Jason Baltutis was born in Moline, IL but raised in Milwaukee, WI. He is the son of Robert Baltutis and Gloria Winner Baltutis. His father is a life-long electrician who owns his own business and his mother has served in the banking industry for most of her career. His brother Michael is currently a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. During his senior year at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and worked in Logistics and Training. While he was serving overseas, he became interested in his family history. He toyed around with the idea of writing a book about his experiences in the Navy but after learning how many family members served in the military, he decided to change gears and make it more of a genealogy project. He wanted to show his children and other family members what their family had done while serving in the military over the past 200 years. Jason retired from the U.S. Navy in 2007 and immediately returned to school to complete his Master's Degree. He currently resides in Milwaukee, WI with his wife Kristy, his two boys AJ and Zachary, and their two Chihuahua's.