Darlington Community Veterans Highlights: Grandparents

Veterans Day was Nov. 11, 2020, and we are honored to recognize the veterans in our Darlington family. Throughout the month of November, we’re highlighting our veterans via several blogs and social media. We hope you’ll follow along all month and help us honor all of our veterans.

Today’s blog features experiences from the grandparents of our students and alumni.

Ralph Bishop served in the United States Navy Seebees as a Petty Officer 3rd Class from June 1968 - November 1970. His areas of service included Dong Ha Viet-Nam, Da Nang Viet-Nam, and Gulfport, Miss. Ralph received numerous awards for his services: Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service W/2 Stars, Combat Action Ribbon 1969, Combat Action Ribbon 1970, Naval Unit Commendation Award, U.S. Marine Corps Medal W/2 Stars, and Rifleman’s Award. He is the grandfather of Darlington junior Sophie Drake and alumna Olivia Drake (’17).

Everett Roy Harris served in the United States Army as an E-5 Medical Corpsman from 1966-1969. He served during Vietnam and earned a Bronze Star for his meritorious service. It was shared that Everett never fired his service pistol the entire time he fought in Vietnam. Everett is the grandfather of Darlington pre-K student Graham Harris. 

Larry Kuglar served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army from October 1967- August 1970. He shared, “I have a special feeling in my heart for those I served with and all veterans.” Larry is the grandfather of Darlington junior Elsa Quay Corbin and alumna Savannah Corbin (’20).

Bobby Randal Riner served in the United States Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant from 1952-1973. He is the grandfather of Darlington alumna Marie (Hodge) Gordon (’99). Marie shared some words from conversations with her grandfather about his time of service: “There are too many stories to name, but it was an honor to serve. He will never forget the Cuban Missile Crisis while he was stationed in Japan! He is proud of our flag, what it stands for, and the men and women who defend it. The U.S. Air Force is the best branch of the service!”

Milton Wood IV served as a Commander in the United States Navy from 1974-1994. He was a Naval aviator. Mit is the grandfather of Darlington sixth-grader Ty Wood and eighth-grader Emi Grace Wood. Pictured at right are Mit, his wife Linda, and son Tyler. Mit had just returned from a seven-month deployment.

If you are a veteran and haven’t had the opportunity to share your story and pictures with us, please email alumni@darlingtonschool.org.