| Service Photo |
|
|
|
Last Rank
Sergeant
|
Last Primary MOS
6030-Aircraft Flight Mechanic, KC-130
|
Last MOSGroup
Aircraft Maintenance
|
Primary Unit
1967-1967, 6026, VMGR-252
|
Service Years
1963 - 1967
|
|
|
| Last Photo |
|
|
Home State
Ohio | |
|
Year of Birth
1945 |
| |
This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Cpl Bill Burch Pemberton
to remember
Marine Sgt Randolph Aldrich (Randy).
If you knew or served with this Marine and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
|
| |
|
Contact Info
|
Last Address
3227-134th Street
Toledo, OH 43611
|
Date of Passing
Jan 01, 2013 |
|
Wall/Plot Coordinates
Private/Unknown Disposition |
|
|
|
|
|
Last Known Activity:
Boating, Snowmobiling,polishing my red corvette and going to doctors (what fun)
|
| |
Other Comments:
Randolph "Randy" Aldrich of the Point/Shoreland Community passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo at the age of 67. Randy worked for Operating Engineers Local 18 for 23 years, Toledo Caisson for 12 years and City of Toledo Streets, Bridges and Harbor for 13 years. He was a proud Marine Corp Veteran, serving in Vietnam from 1965-1967. He was a member of Club 16 (Past President), Marine Combat Helicopter Association (Popa Smoke), Marine Air Transport Association, Marine Aviation Association, Together We Serve (USMC), Ohio State V.F.W. and Ohio State American Legion. Randy was a wonderful man who was loved by everyone who met him. He loved to talk to anyone who would listen. He had a heart of gold and would give to anyone who needed anything, if at all possible. Randy's proudest joy was his service in the Marine Corp and the many associations connected with them. He will be greatly missed by family and friends and his 3 cats, who he dearly loved.
Randy was preceded in death by his father, Dayton Elwood (Bob) Aldrich, and daughter, Julie Aldrich. Left to cherish his memory are fiancé and loving partner of 20 years, Linda L. Achinger; mother, Marietta Aldrich; sons, Jacob Aldrich and Brian (Jennifer Carr) Aldrich; sister, Rebecca (Dr. Richard) Spinale; grandchildren, Connor Helminsky, Brandon and Brooke Carter; step-children, George Baz, Joseph (CarolAnn) Baz, Connie (Mark) Carter, Phil (Rachel) Buehrer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald (Shirley) VanderHorst; along with many special nieces and nephews.
Visitation will begin in the David R. Jasin-Hoening Funeral Home, 5300 N. Summit St., Toledo, OH 43611, 419.726.1583 on Saturday, January 5, 2012, from 2-6 p.m. Funeral Services will follow that same evening at 6 p.m. with Pastor Mike DeLong officiating. An extra special thank you to Dr. Richard Spinale, who went above and beyond the call of duty as well as many other special doctors that treated Randy for various illnesses. We would also like to send a special thanks to Hospice of Northwest Ohio and the many nurses and staff that made the last days of his life comfortable and special. And also to family, friends and neighbor David Bunker for the extra aid they have given. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated to help with service expenses. Condolences may be left for the family along with photo's and words of encouragement at www.jasinfuneralhome.com
Published in Toledo Blade on January 4, 2013
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
1963-1963, MCRD (Cadre) San Diego, CA
|
 |
1963-1964, Naval Aviation Technical Training Command, Memphis, TN
|
 |
1964-1965, 6412, MARTD NAS Glenview, IL
|
| |
1964-1965, 6412, MARTD NAS Glenview, IL
|
 |
1966-1966, 6030, SubUnit #1, VMGR-152
|
| |
1966-1967, 6412, 9th MAB
|
| |
1966-1967, 6026, VMGR-152
|
| |
1966-1967, 6030, 1st MAW
|
| |
1967-1967, 6026, 2nd MAW
|
| |
1967-1967, 6026, VMGR-252
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reflections on Sgt Aldrich's
US Marine Corps Service
|
| |
|
TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS?
My uncle was a China Marine (who I didn't have a chance to know). I had another uncle who was a Marine in WW2 and my dad was in the Navy in WW2. My senior year in high school, the recruiter came to school and talked me into joining the Marines on the 120-day delay program. I knew I wasn't going to college, and I wanted to Join the Best. I was 17 at the time and my mother and dad had to sign for me to join.
|
TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?
I graduated on June 20, 1963, and on June 26th I found myself getting off a plane in San Diego in the wee hours of the morning. We were herded onto a cattle car and taken to the receiving barracks. As we arrived, I did not find the yellow footprints in quick enough time. At that time, they could touch you and I got touched pretty hard in the stomach and quickly found my set of footprints. I then thought to myself--"here I am at 17 years old, my friends are back home partying, and I am trying to find a set of footprints: What did I do??? I finished boot camp, had four weeks of ITR, and then received orders to Millington Tenn. for "A" School, where I graduated 5th in my class.
From there I went to MARTD Glenview, ILL. then on to the 9th MAB for staging in Camp Pendleton. Then off to Futenma, Okinawa to join VMGR152. After 152, I was sent to 252 in Cherry Point, NC where I was discharged.
|
IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
Yes, there were quite a few, the most significant one being Operation Hastings. It seems like we flew all the time--flying 24 hours around the clock. I believe we were flying into Dong Ha. When we first started flying into there, the landing lights were smudge pots. A lot of the air refueling operations were a little scary as were the flair drops.
|
FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
Flying as a First Mech on the C130, and all the Flight Engineers who gave me time in the seat. The landings and takeoffs in the seat, the training and experience I learned and received, and some of the places we landed and took off with the big 4 FANS.
Also, landed in Khe Sanh early in the war.
|
WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS DO YOU BELIEVE HE/SHE WAS MOST PROUD OF FROM HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE?
I believe my air medals. The first one in particular from 9 Sept to 10 Sept 1966 was Operation Hastings, flying as First Mech.
|
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
All of them are quite meaningful to me. It means that the job was done well. At 18 or 19 years old it didn't mean as much to me as it does now. I guess as you get older and look back at the things you have accomplished in your life, you see and appreciate them a little more.
|
IF KNOWN, PLEASE LIST ANY INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM HIS/HER TIME IN THE MILITARY WHO STOOD OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEM AND WHY?
It would have to be Gunnery Sgt and then Master Sgt John Tiblier. I think he took a liking to me, (sort of) "Took me Under his Wing". Whenever we flew together, he gave me all the seat time I wanted including the landings and take-offs (and some of them were pretty hairy) and he let me stay right in the seat.
He was in charge of the engine check crew in Fatima and he helped me get my Collateral Duty Inspector Papers and put me in charge of the night check crew for a while.
He is still alive, but I don't think he is in very good health. I have tried to contact him but have received no response. I will keep trying as I want to let him know what a difference he has made in my life.
He was a good man and a Good Marine!
|
ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM HIS/HER SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MADE THEM LAUGH LATER ON?
Yes, I can! When I was stationed at Glenview, ILL there were six of us that hung around together. We all got there about the same time so we knew we would all get our orders about the same time and those orders would be for Vietnam. We had preplanned a little going away remembrance for Glenview. It was a reserve drill weekend and we had been drinking wine most of the day (at 98 cents a bottle) and we then closed the enlisted club after drinking 3.2 beer until closing. Time to implement THE PLAN.
His Navy Base had a well-lit water tower that stood about 150 ft in the air. Our plan was falling into place. Jerry Dehart and I were climbing the tower and the other four guys were standing guard at the bottom. We made it to the top and proceeded to paint (in 3-foot letters) 'NAVY SUCKS'. For such a small base, I didn't think they had so many shore patrol--but they did. There were a few fists thrown from our guards at the bottom but as we descended we were surrounded and taken into custody. At this time they called our Sgt Major in to release us into his custody. He was not a Happy Sgt. Major. He told us to be in his office on Monday Morning. You would have thought we burned the base down. Our punishment was 2 weeks of extra duty and removing our artwork. We were leaving in 2 weeks anyway and as we were leaving his office, we all noticed the slight grin on his face.
|
IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
I followed in my dad's footsteps and became an Operating Engineer. This was in 1968 and I retired in 2002. I am currently keeping busy by going to many doctors, but I am keeping a positive attitude.
|
IF KNOWN, WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS WAS HE OR SHE A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS THEY DERIVED FROM THEIR MEMBERSHIPS?
I belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars
American Legion
Marine Corps Air Transport Association
Marine Corps Aviation Association
Marine Corps Combat Helicopter Association (POP A SMOKE)
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
They help me keep current on affairs that affect current and prior Marine Corp Veterans.
|
IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU BELIEVE HIS/HER SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER?
My military service has taught me discipline, getting the job done and done right the first time and teamwork.
|
IF THEY WERE HERE TODAY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK HE OR SHE WOULD GIVE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS AND RECENTLY ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE?
Some of your best friends are going to be the Marines you are serving with. Try to keep a journal of their locations and the places you have seen and been. I regret that I didn't do this and can't remember about 3/4 of the places that we landed and took off from in Viet Nam, or the whereabouts of many of my good friends. I could now kick myself in the butt for not doing this. It will seem like a lot of trouble and wasted time now but in the future, you will be glad that you did it.
Also, take LOTS OF PHOTOS if you can. Another kick in the butt for me.
|
HOW EFFECTIVE HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM BEEN IN HELPING YOU RECORD YOUR REMEMBERED PERSONS MILITARY SERVICE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?
I have made a lot of new friends. I think that this is the best site for Marines. It is a site you go to daily looking for new members and communicating with the current ones. SEMPER FI RANDY '63 - '67 KC 11.30.21
|
|
