By Dianne Tamayo, VC Staff
I had the privilege of interviewing veteran Spec 4 Maurice Wiberg on November 11, 2014.
In 1966 he was drafted into the United States Army at age 19. Maurice left his wife behind when he was sent to Fort Bliss Texas where he received orders to train at Fort Hood Texas. Maurice received his basic training and advanced technical training in the 2nd Armor division know as "Hell on Wheels". This included the training in all the responsibilities of a tanker. Maurice received expert tstatus in firing all weapons.
1966-1967 was a time that Fort Hood was utilized as a deployment center. Within one year Maurice's company of 180 soldiers was reduced to 80 soldiers at Fort Hood.
Maurice was told by his 1st Sargent that he would be deployed to Vietnam, but to his surprise his orders were for Schweinfurt Germany where he served in the 3rd infantry division as a tanker.
Maurice was one of eight in his battalion who qualified as a tank gunner at Range 42, which is the most difficult tank range in Europe.
I say "Bravo Maurice"!
In the winter, Maurice learned the ins and outs of traversing the snowy hillsides of Germany. In the Spring he had to learn to traverse the muddy hillsides and experience the joys of digging out 52 tons of tank. ugh!!!
Maurice had the opportunity of being on the pistol team & had the privilege of being on the swimming team which competed in Berlin Germany.
Then the day came that he had completed his 2 years of service in the Army. He returned home to Logan, Utah. Thanks to the military funding that he received he started and finished his education at Utah State University and became a wonderful high school teacher.
I asked Maurice what he learned from serving in the military. Maurice said that he gained a greater appreciation for America and our flag and those men who have given their lives for our country. Maurice now serves in the American Legion.
It was a privilege to interview Maurice whom I have known for 7 years.
Thank you, Maurice.
