Maintaining Peace and Stability (1945-1990)

The Cold War years were a time of heightened tension around the globe. American troops were always "at the ready" in locations where peace was in jeopardy. Not only were U.S. forces sent to such places as Korea, Vietnam, and Lebanon when conflicts flared, but our troops also were stationed throughout the world to maintain stability and preserve peace.

Military service during this period included new challenges not previously experienced. Battle lines were less well drawn; in some cases, the enemy was less obvious. In many ways the stakes were higher because of sophisticated missile systems, advanced electronic and communication technologies, and, most obviously, the potential for nuclear war.

When I vote, I will do so as a tribute to my husband, Maynard Warman, who served peacetime duty in the Navy from 1959 to 1963.
Wilma Warman, Belmont

I am voting in honor of my husband, David F. Kirkpatrick, a peacetime soldier stationed on the Mexican Border in El Paso, Texas. He was drafted during the Kennedy administration and served under President Lyndon Johnson.
Joan Kirkpatrick, Lincoln

I am voting in tribute to my husband, Mitchell B. Quint, who served in the USAF from 1954-57.
Emily Quint, North Anson

I am proud of my brother, Edward E. Hoyt III, who served in the USAF during the Cold War from 1977-79.
Theresa M. Hoyt, Fairfield

 

I am voting in honor of my son, L/Cpl Jason R. LeBarge, who served in the Marines for almost 4 years. His tour of duty ended when he was struck by a car and killed when he was returning to his base. He was 22 years old — he had never seen action — but he had traveled while a Marine and was prepared to defend his country.
Shirley B. LeBarge, Wells

Jason's Footlocker

A footlocker, black, pockmarked with dents,
Kicked in at fun at a Cub Scout event,
Kanga Kangaroo, favorite Babar book
Fun Mad comics, first Playboy he took,
Worn camping gear, why the odd, old shoe?
Empty pig bank, rusty Matchbox cars crew,
Down near the bottom, locked tight they reside
Symbols of youth, in the trunk, side by side.
Boy Scout badges, coins and stamps,
Prom picture, blue tuxedo at his Senior dance
Yearbook '80, baseball cards and knotted twine,
Drama scripts, football jersey, number nine.
Leather mitt, "leftie," and bat,
Hunting vest and bright orange hat.
Proud photo, first deer, it was a stag
Our letters from home in a brown paper bag.
A final trophy, his last ever to be
Dear God, I, his mother, store here –
In his footlocker, black
In the attic way in back –
Along with a Marine Corps tag,
I sadly place (it's red, white and blue),
Jason's tri-folded, American flag.

–by Shirley Boothby LeBarge

Additional Tributes Submitted Online

Tribute to my brother, Percy D. Lapointe:

This is in honor of my brother who passed away 9 years ago and missed being eligible to become a Legionnaire by a few weeks. He always wished that he could have been a member.

Bob Lapointe, Van Buren

Tribute to my husband, Joseph D. Widell:

I would like to have my husband's name added to the list of men who served our country. He was in the sevice for 20 years. He served in the US Navy and won gold bars all through his career. He now lives in Auburn with his wife of 44 years.

Geri Widell, Auburn

Tribute to my Father, Paul J. McKenney:

I wish to show gratitude for my father's service of many years of active duty as a front line defender in Germany during the not so cold Cold War. I feel the need to praise him for his much overlooked service. Thank you Dad, you are an inspiration to your sons, your daughter and the young soldier's and my generation today.

Alexander, Cape Elizabeth

Tribute to my Father, Paul J. McKenney:

I am thanking my father for his honorable service as a front line defender in Germany, during the Cold War. He set the example for all those serving in Europe during the mid-80's and was a pioneer in aviation fire support techniques. Hoorah! Great job Dad!

Aaron McKenney, Cape Elizabeth

Tribute to my Brother, Steve Lyons:

Marine Corps Sergeant Steve Lyons served just over 6 years as an active duty Marine. His duties included service with a number of combat ready units as an Artilleryman and as a member of the elite Marine Security for several U.S. Embassies, in Africa and Ireland.

Matt Lyons, Cape Elizabeth

Tribute to my Husband and Father of my daughters, Spec. 4 Randall A. Lane:

Randy was a wonderful husband and father who served with the 101st Airborne Division. He was part of the MFO. Peace Keeping Force in Saudi Arabia from July of 1985 to December 12, 1985 when the plane he was on went down in Gander, New Foundland and all aboard were killed. He was part of a peace keeping force along with 247 other soldiers that were on their way back to Fort Campbell Kentucky. Randy kept in touch through letters and phone calls, he was very proud of his family and proud to be serving his country.

Anne E. Moore, Steep Falls, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Randall Alan Lane:

It has been almost 22 years now that my father gave his life for his country and it still seems like yesterday. The anniversary of his plane crash is coming up on 12/12/07, and it is hard to believe that he has missed so much of my sister and my lives. I realized a long time ago that he would never be there to see me graduate High School and soon College and he will never be there to give me away at my wedding. But the saddest thing is that he will never know that he now has a new Grandson on the way (Christopher Alan). He never knew the joy of being a grandfather and I think the biggest tribute to him will be the fact that my sister and I will name our children after him. My father was a proud soldier and I don't believe he would take back his choice to serve his country if he could. I am very proud to say that my father served in the Army and give my warmest thoughts and wishes to the families that have lost or have family or friends that are fighting for our country. Every soldier deserves to come home. I love you daddy and miss you more than you will ever know. XXOO

Athena Lane, Buxton, Maine

Tribute to my Friend, Clint Cushman:

Clint is one that puts others needs ahead of his own and I appreciate his service to our Country. Mr. Cushman was part of history creating footsteps for me to follow.

Aaron E. Marden, Strong, Maine

Tribute to my Friend, Dennis Nelson:

During the most miserable times, he kept up moral by singing the song of "Gilligan" and whistling cheerful tunes,always working harder than everyone else to make us see that there could be a difference.

l. Walker, Augusta, Maine

Tribute to my Husband, Gregory Humphrey:

I am voting in honor of my husband who served in the Army 1981-85.

Stacy Humphrey, Pownal, ME