MANSFIELD — Former Marine Bill Crocker always knew he wanted to serve.
After completing a year of college, he joined the Marine Corps in 1958 and was assigned to Marine Observation Squadron One.
His service took him to North Carolina, Puerto Rico and aboard the USS Independence, where he learned to fly observation aircraft as a second pilot before being honorably discharged in 1961.
Following his military service, Crocker completed his education, built a career in banking and manufacturing and later devoted his retirement to preserving military history.
As communities across the nation celebrate Independence Day, three local veterans are reflecting on what patriotism, service and freedom have meant throughout their lives.
Though they served in different branches and during different years, the Richland County-area veterans shared a similar message: freedom is something to appreciate, and the Fourth of July is an opportunity to remember those who helped protect it.
“I hope they have a healthy appreciation for the patriots that have preserved freedom from 1776 to today,” Crocker said.
Army veteran Stephanie J. Klopfenstein served from 1951 to 1955 in the Women’s Army Corps.
Raised in Howard, South Dakota, she attended college before enlisting and was stationed at Fort Ritchie, Maryland, where she rose to the rank of sergeant.
During her service, Klopfenstein worked as both a chauffeur and secretary for Army generals, experiences that took her far beyond the small town where she grew up. It was also during her time in the Army that she met her husband. They eventually made Ohio their home.
Looking back on the country she grew up in, Klopfenstein remembers close-knit communities where neighbors knew one another.
“People were more open and friendly,” she said. “I think we’ve lost a little of that.”
Even so, she remains proud of America’s willingness to help other nations and hopes people continue to care for one another and their communities.
Another local Marine veteran, Harland Miller, served at Camp Pendleton, California, from 1956 to 1959. He said he enlisted because of the respect he had for Marines who served during World War II.
Although Miller spent his enlistment stateside, he built friendships with people from across the country and witnessed the pride many Americans held for military service.
Reflecting on the nation’s upcoming milestone anniversary, he hopes Americans take time to remember those who have served.
“Be respectful and thankful for all the willingness of the people who have served in the military and in our government to make the United States a peaceful place to live and a respected place on Earth,” he said.
Although their paths were different, all three local veterans shared common themes of gratitude, sacrifice and hope. They encouraged Americans not only to celebrate the nation’s independence with family traditions and fireworks, but also to reflect on the generations of service members whose dedication has helped preserve the freedoms enjoyed today.
