In Recognition of Veterans Day - Coffee with Vets [Image 8 of 25]

BOISE, ID, UNITED STATES

09.05.2019

Photo by Thomas Alvarez 

Idaho Army National Guard

Bob Gordon, 63, U.S. Army 1975-76.

Gordon was born in Flint, Michigan. His family moved to California and then eventually Coos Bay, Oregon where he lived for 37 years.

He joined the Army because his brother was in the Army. Gordon was a generator repairman stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. He recalls the day his unit was scheduled for grenade training. He said he faked being sick because he was terrified of grenades. His Army career was cut short due to drug and alcohol problems.

“I told my captain I was doing more drugs in the Army than I was on the outside,” said Gordon. He received a general discharge that turned honorable later.

Life after the Army brought hard times. Gordon said he fell deeply into alcohol and drugs and lived in transitional homes. Since becoming a resident of the Veterans Home a year and a half ago his life has improved. He says he hasn’t taken any drugs in over 29 years.

Gordon feels some remorse for not serving beyond his one-year duty. He said that if he had ever been called upon to fight, he would not have hesitated to go. He feels the Veterans Administration has done much more for him than he has done for his country.

• Date Taken: 09.05.2019
• Date Posted: 11.08.2019 10:29
• Photo ID: 5897818
• VIRIN: 191101-Z-XK920-0008
• Resolution: 2700x1800
• Size: 2.16 MB
• Location: BOISE, ID, US