John Lockman Q & A

John Lockman

Q: What was America like when you returned from war?

A: We were everybody's son. Vets were very popular. There were so many opportunities. I went to school on the G.I. Bill. Now everybody goes to college. Back then, maybe 10 percent of the people went. So I was able to get an education out of it. There was such a desire to help the veterans.

Q: What do you recall about your travels?

A: We went around the world. I guess in a three-year, three-and-a-half year span, we sailed all the way around the world. Middle East, the Mediterranean Sea, the Suez Canal, the South Pacific, Okinawa, Germany, Europe. We saw a lot.

Q: What are your thoughts on Iraq and Afghanistan?

A: With hindsight, Iraq was a mistake. Maybe we should have let the U.N. (United Nations) do more before we went in. Our was (WWII) was simple. They sank our fleet, we had to go to war. Afghanistan is tough. At least we knew who were fighting. It's hard to know over there. The Soviets found that out also.

Q: How has the military changed since World War II?

A: I think the military is more sophisticated. They are capable of so much today with the technology available. We're (America) still a superpower. But we're not the only one anymore. Patriotism is a strong force, an overwhelming force. Countries strongly support their military. We did then and we do now, that hasn't changed.

Q:What do you our military's role should be in this day and age?

A: The military will always have a role and presence. But I believe more of an effort should go to preventing war.