Our Veterans
In honor of those who served our country in the armed forces, this San Marino Tribune article continues a series of individual salutes to our courageous veterans.
By Mitch Lehman
“Not really,” Hal Harrigian says when asked if he is a veteran.
But his military experience is similar to many if not most of those who have answered the nation’s call.
Harrigian was a 23-year-old Accounting graduate of the University of Illinois, already employed by Arthur Andersen and teaching Economics when Uncle Sam came calling. Soon, the certified public accountant was a Private.
Harrigian in 1958 reported to Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains.
“There were no conflicts going on at the time,” Harrigian says, almost apologetically. What many on the outside fail to comprehend is the large number of non-combat casualties among the American military. Harrigian was on the training ground one day when a fellow draftee and his superior were killed in a grenade accident – during “peacetime.”
For the full story, see the print edition of the San Marino Tribune, or download the e-edition.
