Marlin West - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Korean War

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the Korean War

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2024 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
US Navy SK3 Korean War Merlin West was born on September 15, 1934, and grew up in Gordon, Nebraska. He graduated from Gordon High School in 1951 and enlisted in the Navy. Merlin graduated but was still 17 and required his parents' permission to enlist. Merlin reported to the Recruit Training Center at Naval Training Center San Diego on 14 June 1952. He enjoyed all the learning and new experiences the Navy provided at boot camp. After boot camp graduation, SN West attended storekeeper training at the training center and NTC San Diego. Storekeepers were tasked with maintaining ship or company military supply stores. Their responsibilities generally include purchasing and procuring, shipping and receiving, and issuing equipment, tools, consumable items, or anything else obtained through the federal stock system. After graduation, SKSN West was assigned to work at the main supply office at the headquarters, Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii. Merlin worked in Hawaii for two years and nine months. He worked for the supply office and the base galley. He enjoyed working best at the galley as the supply clerk. Work started early, but these shifts also ended early, affording plenty of daytime remaining. Merlin loved the off-duty hours being stationed in Hawaii and all the beautiful sights and vistas to enjoy and take in. After his service obligation was completed, Merlin decided to return to school. He was Honorably Discharged on 18 August 1955 and transferred to the Fleet Reserve at the Naval Receiving Center in San Francisco, California. SK3 Merlin West earned the National Defense Medal. Merlin returned to his home state and attended the University of Nebraska using his GI Bill. He studied business administration and completed his studies with a BA. He then worked at Reynolds Electric, an engineering company. Merlin was married to Mrs. Georgia West and they had two children.
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Marlin West - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Navy SK3 Korean War Merlin West was born on September 15, 1934, and grew up in Gordon, Nebraska. He graduated from Gordon High School in 1951 and enlisted in the Navy. Merlin graduated but was still 17 and required his parents' permission to enlist. Merlin reported to the Recruit Training Center at Naval Training Center San Diego on 14 June 1952. He enjoyed all the learning and new experiences the Navy provided at boot camp. After boot camp graduation, SN West attended storekeeper training at the training center and NTC San Diego. Storekeepers were tasked with maintaining ship or company military supply stores. Their responsibilities generally include purchasing and procuring, shipping and receiving, and issuing equipment, tools, consumable items, or anything else obtained through the federal stock system. After graduation, SKSN West was assigned to work at the main supply office at the headquarters, Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii. Merlin worked in Hawaii for two years and nine months. He worked for the supply office and the base galley. He enjoyed working best at the galley as the supply clerk. Work started early, but these shifts also ended early, affording plenty of daytime remaining. Merlin loved the off-duty hours being stationed in Hawaii and all the beautiful sights and vistas to enjoy and take in. After his service obligation was completed, Merlin decided to return to school. He was Honorably Discharged on 18 August 1955 and transferred to the Fleet Reserve at the Naval Receiving Center in San Francisco, California. SK3 Merlin West earned the National Defense Medal. Merlin returned to his home state and attended the University of Nebraska using his GI Bill. He studied business administration and completed his studies with a BA. He then worked at Reynolds Electric, an engineering company. Merlin was married to Mrs. Georgia West and they had two children.