Vietnam Veterans - WKTV Journal

Mike Bacon sits with James Smither in the WKTV studio as he talks about his time as a Signal Corps Officer in the Army (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

Veteran Mike Bacon recently stepped into the recording studio with James Smither, Director of the GVSU Veterans History Project, to talk about his experience in the Vietnam war.

After receiving a notice from the draft board that he would soon be drafted into the war, Bacon chose to enlist in the United States Army so he could participate in Officer Candidate School (OCS).

Bacon began basic training in spring of 1966 at Fort Dix in New Jersey, then moving into Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort McClellan in Alabama before being assigned to Mannheim, Germany as a Signal Corps Officer with the 97th Signal Battalion of the 7th Army.

Founded by Major Albert J. Myer in 1860, the U.S. Signal Corps was a small organization with members scattered among the Army’s various posts. With the rise of telecommunications, signaling duties became increasingly complex and integral to military operations.

Today, the Signal Corps consists of approximately 68,000 men and women.

Assigned as a platoon leader of the 97th Signal Battalion, Bacon eventually became Headquarters Company Commander. After two years stationed in Germany, he was discharged at Fort Dix in 1969.

Life as a civilian consisted of various jobs that allowed the military veteran to travel throughout the U.S. Bacon’s travels eventually led him to Michigan where he served at East Kentwood High School as an English teacher until his retirement.

For Bacon, however, retirement does not require sitting still.

Owner of Loon Tracks since 1985, Bacon is still heavily involved in photography, videography, and writing.

In conjunction with WKTV Community Media, Bacon produces “Whittlin’ Time,” a show based around wood carving and related skills. He has also volunteered on countless WKTV productions as camera operator, audio technician, graphics engineer, technical director, director, and helped maintain computers and software in the editing bays.

Bacon said his time in the Signal Corps gave him confidence in himself and his abilities.

Senator Gary Peters will once again take a ride through Michigan.

U.S. Senator Gary {eters (MI) today announced his second #RideMI Motorcycle Tour that will take him across the Upper Peninsula and West Michigan to meet with constituents and discuss his work on their behalf in the U.S. Senate. Peters, an avid motorcycle rider, will be making stops in even counties over the course of the five-day tour, where he will discuss his efforts to help grow Michigan’s small businesses, bolster the manufacturing sector and expand critical infrastructure. Peters is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Armed Services Committee and Join Economic Committee.

The #RideMI tour begins on Monday, Aug. 14, in Marquette County. He will be making additional stops throughout the week in Baraga, Ontonagon, Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson, and Oceana counties.

“Michigan is home to some of the most breathtaking sights n the world, and I couldn’t be more excited to be riding through more of our great state this summer,” said Senator Peters. “As I ride from the Upper Peninsula to West Michigan, I look forward to meeting with veterans, business owners and constituents to hear directly from Michiganders about the issues they face and how we can work together to boost economic growth, create jobs and support Michigan middle class families.”

Last year, Peters, announced his first #RideMI Motorcycle Tour, which took him to stops in 12 counties in the Lower Peninsula. In April, Peters helped form the first-ever bipartisan Motorcycle Caucus in the U.S. Senate with Senator Join Ernst (R-IA). The Motorcycle Caucus advocates for a range of issues on behalf of both motorcycle riders and manufacturers.

As part of the tour, Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, will present 50th anniversary commemorative lapel pos to Vietnam Veterans in the Upper Peninsula in honor of their service in the Vietnam War.

“Michigan is home to more Vietnams War veterans than any other era, and it is an honor to be able to express our appreciation to these veterans and their families for their service on behalf of a ireful nation,” said Senator Peters. “Vietnam Veterans endured overwhelming difficulties, sacrificed so much and served with courage and honor – a service that must never be forgotten.”