This tribute was submitted by a reader as part of our Veterans Week initiative, brought to you by VFW Post 291, Agent of VFW Ohio Charities. If you’d like to celebrate a veteran in your life, click here to share your tribute. Together, let’s recognize these heroes and ensure their contributions are not forgotten.
Lt. Sherman Hunnell
Submitted by Carl Hunnell
Branch of service: Navy
My father, Sherman “Sam” Hunnell, was a career sailor in the U.S. Navy.
He enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Madison High School in Guernsey County, Ohio, and began a career that took him all over the world.
Working in aviation electronics, he kept many different kinds of aircraft flying from the decks of aircraft carriers that included the USS Essex and the USS John F. Kennedy. He participated in the U.S. Navy blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and continued to serve during the Vietnam War Era.
After a long enlisted career, he became a “mustang officer,” a role he accepted but never enjoyed as much as he did as a senior enlisted. He retired in 1972 and moved back to Ohio.
He died in 1998 at his home at the age of 63.
As with most father/son relationships, ours was complicated. But he helped to instill a work ethic into a hard-headed son, along with a love for country.
Veterans Week is brought to you by Ralph Phillips VFW Post 291, Agent of VFW Ohio Charities. Join us in recognizing local heroes by submitting a tribute to a veteran in your life!
