Three generations of military service

HARRINGTON - When Brad Simpson was young, two men in his life inspired him to join the military. His grandfather John Simpson was a Bronze Star recipient in the Army in World War II and his father Skip Simpson was a machinist in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Wanting to keep that legacy alive, he signed up for military service in 1990 after his graduation from Harrington High School.

When Brad told his grandfather John, who was a "Junglee" with the 41st Infantry Division in New Guinea, that he wanted to follow him and enlist in the Army, John said, "I've dodged enough bullets in the Army for several generations. Join the Navy."

That's what Brad did.

In 1991, he was on the USS Peleliu, an amphibious assault ship, as an electronics technician whose primary job was to ensure the ship's radar and navigational system was working.

Spending up to 90 days at sea, he knew the feeling of isolation and misery but also experienced jaw-dropping beauty.

"We didn't have cell phones to take pictures, but I've got memories of Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Somalia and many other places," he said. "In the Philippines, the sea was as flat as glass and there was a red and orange sunset with a beautiful glow and a pod of dolphins in our wake."

In 1995, Simpson transferred to the Naval Air Station in Lemoore, California where he was on the Honor Guard and served on the burial detail at the veterans cemetery.

Simpson is proud of his military service.

"It was important for me to protect what America stood for, and to continue the legacy of my father and grandfather," Simpson said.

Simpson doesn't expect recognition for his service but is bothered by the disrespect shown to disabled and homeless veterans.

"These are men that did a job and have seen and experienced things that people can't imagine," he said. "They should never be treated like garbage."

He also hopes to see a renewed patriotism in America.

"Every military person who represents our country realizes that they might come home under the flag in a casket," Simpson said. "Those are the real heroes. The least we can do as citizens is to honor the flag when it is flying."

After getting out of the Navy, Brad returned to Harrington, where he serves as a volunteer firefighter. He also helps at the school, where his wife Tracey is the cook.

Reflecting on his time in the Navy, Simpson said, "It was the best job I ever hated. If I could go back in a time machine, I would do it again."