Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran John Hamilton. John served during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971.

In 1969, John decided to enlist in the Marine Corps because he wanted the best training he could get. He went to boot camp in San Diego, which he found to be very challenging. John didn’t like his drill instructors at the time because of the intense training they put him through. For advanced training, John went to battalion school where he learned how to drive military vehicles.  He was then assigned to the 11th Motor Transport Battalion and sent to Vietnam.

While in Vietnam, John drove a truck, bringing supplies back and forth. He made sure the combat soldiers had everything they needed, whether it was on the front lines or behind the lines. John was in constant communication with his friends and family at home while in Vietnam. He would receive a letter or a package every day and in turn he tried to send out a letter every day if he had time. John returned to the United States and finished out his service at the Treasure Island Marine Barracks. While there, John continued to drive a truck and was responsible for transporting supplies. John was discharged in 1971. More of his story can be found at http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.00610/

Thank you for your service, John!


Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.


Graphic by Nikki Lumbre: Nikki is an undergraduate junior at The Catholic University of America studying Anthropology and Asian Studies.

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