These are my Great-grandfather’s medals from the U.S. Army and pictures of him in his uniform. His name was Russell Stephen Callis. He was stationed in Germany, and that is where my Nana, Valerie Callis, was born. He was a veteran of World War II, and he worked in the U.S. Army for over 20 years combined and was a Lieutenant Colonel. He also worked with the Corps of Engineers and at different Army bases he was the Head of the Corps of Engineers. My Nana ended up being born in Heidelberg, Germany. My Nana's brother, Steve, was born at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Then, they lived in Fort Knox, Kentucky. My great-grandfather’s story connects to my family and our identity because he worked very hard to protect our country, my Nana, and her siblings as they were growing up. The story of my Great-grandfather represents freedom for everyone around the world, and fighting and working in wars to help others find peace. The first metal pictured is the Asiatic Pacific Campaign, which was established by President Franklin D Roosevelt in 1942. The second medal is the American Defense Medal that was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in June 1941 to honor military personnel on active duty between September 8, 1939 to December 7, 1941, before the U.S. entry into World War II. The third medal is the World War II Victory Medal that was awarded to any member of the United States Military. The fourth medal is the Army of Occupation Medal.

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