Marriage Assignments 5-6 (1951-1953)

Bert packing the car, Kent, Bert's parents Lillian & Al S
(circa 1951 in Cincinnati, OH)

Hammy and Bert with Kent after church (July 1951)

Millie C, Kent, and Ruth H (circa 1951 in Wellsville, OH)

When Bert's orders involved an isolated 1 year tour of duty in Greenland, Kent and I spent the next 14 months in Wellsville.  My parents welcomed us with open arms.
We attended the Second Presbyterian Church where I had been a member and where Kent was baptized.  We were among many friends and had support from my loving parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Mother and dad were loving grandparents and provided the TLC that we needed at this traumatic stage of our married life.

Although separations are difficult for service people, it was a way of life which we accepted.  Both Bert and I were grateful for the love my parents gave us during those fourteen months.

"Thinking only of you, dearest"

Hammy, perhaps at a Kent State football game (circa 1952)

Kent and Hammy (awaiting Kim Michael) (circa 1951)

Nine months after Bert left us, we welcomed our dear son, Kim Michael, to join us with G’ma and G’pa H just about the proudest grandparents alive.  Kim, who later on decided the name Mike was more masculine, was a joy to all of us. 

Kim Michael and Kent (1952)

Kent and Kim Michael (1952)

Hammy with Kim Michael and Kent (1952)

Kent and Hammy with Kim Michael (1952)

We picniced in the park, attended church regularly, visited with relatives, and took trips to the Hirners’ truck farm.  They were introduced to baby calves, lambs, numerous cats and dogs as well as the fun of picking vegetables for market.
Grandma froze the vegetables, and made delicious pies with the fruit the Hirners couldn’t sell.  You couldn’t duplicate her pies if you tried, and I’ve tried!
During the time Bert spent overseas, the boys and I kept busy visiting the S grandparents, Aunt Dorothy + Uncle Paul, cousins Mary + Marianne, in addition to making three trips to Montreal to visit Bert.  He was the Procurement Officer - buying supplies for the base [in Greenland.]

Kent (December 1951 in Montreal)

Hammy and Kent (1951 in Montreal)

Kent and Hammy (1951 in Montreal)

Bert in Greenland (circa 1952)

Narsarsuaq Air Base in Greenland (circa 1952)

So, our fourteen months went by quickly, although at the time, it seemed forever waiting for daddy to come home.

Kent, Kim Michael, and Hammy (circa 1952)

Our assignment to the Pentagon was short lived.  We were settled into an apartment with new furniture we’d purchased at Sears and felt as though having our own "stuff" we’d finally made it "big time!"  To our surprise, Gen (Pres.) Eisenhower eliminated the Munitions Board and we were transferred back to Wright/Patterson in Dayton, Ohio.

1952 Christmas card photo

Kent and Kim Michael, Hammy
(circa 1953 in Arlington, VA)

That was a brief 9 month tour, and we knew we’d want to go back to visit Wash. when the boys were older so they could appreciate the nation's capital.