'Collection of Poetry' by John Schwenderman
Compiled by Joseph Schwenderman
John Schwenderman has taken from his many years of experience in both civilian and military life and transposed it to beautiful lines of poetry which will both pull at your heart strings and sadden your soul. Back in the forties, the war was going at a hot and brutal pace when John organized his own squad of neighborhood boys, from five to 15 years of age, wearing various parts of uniforms and weapons, trained and ready to ship out! John's oldest brother, Norman, was, at that same time, prepping in England for the invasion of Normandy, of which he was part of. John attempted to join the Marines, but was turned down - too young. However, at a later time, he was accepted. He did a four-year stretch and dropped out.
John was disheartened by the outcome in Korea (Police Action!), and the treatment of General McArthur. Tens of thousands of young men and boys gave their lives for naught! After separating from the Corps, his love, he started his career in carpentry, when along came the war in Vietnam. He joined the Seabees shortly after. He did not one, but two, tours in Nam, after which he was honorably discharged. His thoughts of these wars, especially their outcome, he has encased in poetry. This is a must-read for all Service men and women, and most certainly, Vets!
Schwenderman is now retired at 90 years of age, but suffers from Agent Orange exposure and more.