Raymond Robbins - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

World War 2

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the World War 2.

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 Army PFC World War 2 Raymond F. Robbins was born on 2 Jan 1925, grew up in Brockton, Mass., and served in the US Army at 17. He received his parents’ permission to join after 11th grade on 7 April 1943. Raymond had a draft notice and decided to enter service early before finishing High School. He attended boot camp and received his rifle sharpshooter. Raymond loved the saxophone, and the Army assigned him as a Bandman, Saxophone, Company A, 318th Infantry, 80th Infantry Division. Raymond served in the 318th’s Band unit and played for the troops through the campaigns in Central Europe, the Rhineland, and the Ardennes. Raymond and the 318th served in combat operations from France in 1944 through Germany till the surrender in 1945. Raymond was awarded the Purple Heart in the European Theater of Operations but can not remember the exact date or location when it happened. Like most service members, Raymond was demobilized and separated from the Army at the war's end. His separation happened on 20 Nov 1945 at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Along with his Purple Heart, Raymond was awarded a Good Conduct medal, the Victory medal, the European Africa Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Honorable Service Lapel Pin. After the Army, Raymond continued to play the clarinet and Saxophone with many of his favorite big bands and small ensembles across the United States. He traveled for many years and even worked as a studio musician, recording with many greats. Raymond still practices his clarinet daily and carries it everywhere. He shared music during our photo session and posed with his well-loved clarinet. The staff commented that they enjoy hearing him practice every day.
mickey,strand,photograph,nikon,Z7ii,California,San,Diego,portrait,VPS,WW2
Raymond Robbins - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Army PFC World War 2 Raymond F. Robbins was born on 2 Jan 1925, grew up in Brockton, Mass., and served in the US Army at 17. He received his parents’ permission to join after 11th grade on 7 April 1943. Raymond had a draft notice and decided to enter service early before finishing High School. He attended boot camp and received his rifle sharpshooter. Raymond loved the saxophone, and the Army assigned him as a Bandman, Saxophone, Company A, 318th Infantry, 80th Infantry Division. Raymond served in the 318th’s Band unit and played for the troops through the campaigns in Central Europe, the Rhineland, and the Ardennes. Raymond and the 318th served in combat operations from France in 1944 through Germany till the surrender in 1945. Raymond was awarded the Purple Heart in the European Theater of Operations but can not remember the exact date or location when it happened. Like most service members, Raymond was demobilized and separated from the Army at the war's end. His separation happened on 20 Nov 1945 at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Along with his Purple Heart, Raymond was awarded a Good Conduct medal, the Victory medal, the European Africa Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Honorable Service Lapel Pin. After the Army, Raymond continued to play the clarinet and Saxophone with many of his favorite big bands and small ensembles across the United States. He traveled for many years and even worked as a studio musician, recording with many greats. Raymond still practices his clarinet daily and carries it everywhere. He shared music during our photo session and posed with his well-loved clarinet. The staff commented that they enjoy hearing him practice every day.