Maureen Sullivan American, Cold War, Massachusetts, Naval Res., Navy, Persian Gulf, Vietnam

William Martin

Born and raised in South Boston, Bill Martin was drafted into the Navy in 1966 despite poor eyesight. Because he was a college graduate, he was sent to Officer Candidates School in Newport, R.I. Trained as a supply officer, Martin would serve in active duty and the Reserves for 30 years; he would see action off the coast of Vietnam and take part in Desert Storm. He retired from the Navy in 1997 with the rank of captain. As of this interview in 2019, Martin is the Veterans Services Officer for Kingston, Mass.

Maureen Sullivan Iraq, Massachusetts, Naval Res., Navy Seabees

Michael Rush

 

Mike Rush grew up in West Roxbury with a strong military tradition; relatives on both sides of the family served in the military, especially the Navy. Rush would join the Navy in 1994 while a student at Providence College. He started with a Naval construction battalion (SeaBees), and would eventually move into military intelligence. At the time of the interview, Rush was a state Senator and a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

 

 

Mike Rush speaking at Memorial Day ceremonies in Dover, Mass.

 

Mike Rush in Iraq

 

Mike Rush, left, in his Navy whites