The Military & Alternative Service Project – notes from Len

Marcia asked her uncles for their thoughts on their experiences with their military and/or alternate service. You can read her original letter here: http://johnbgoering.com/?p=412

Leonard original

Dear Marcia,

1. I was in alternative service (I-W) from Aug. 1,1954 – aug. 1,1956. This was a 2 year service contract.

2. I spent my two years in Topeka, Ks.

3. I worked in the “Kansas State Health Laboratory.”

4. My duties varied. First, I worked in several areas relating to the health field. My experiences included working with laboratory mice—injecting them with cancer patient samples—observing them to see if they became ill, etc. Also, I worked with laboratory rabbits until my allergies flared. Then, I was transferred to the “Health Dept” section that tested dairy products. My training was on the job. Two other CD’s worked there, also. They had come without any college background. Their jobs were more janitorial and housekeeping. I always surmised that my college years helped me to be placed in a more responsible job. Later, another I-W worker came with college background. He also was placed in the laboratory for work.

5. Most of the supervisors were very kind to us and friendships ensued. My supervisor in the dairy products testing lab was originally from the Whitewater area. His name was Marvin Dyck and his wife was Gertrude Hohmann (daughter to music professor at Bethel).

6. After three years of college, I decided to enter I-W service. This was the same time that Art was trying to change his classification status to C.O. So Art, myself, Rev. H. B. Schmidt, and Rev. Miller went to Topeka. I, to explore I-W options and Art to process a change in his classification status.

Influences that helped me decide the I-W route were probably many. I think that moving to Peabody and becoming more actively involved in the Mennonite Church had its part; going to a peace – C. O. college – McPherson, and my own personal convictions which were modeled by my brothers near my age surely influenced me.

I have always looked upon the experience as a growth time for me. I was emotionally and spiritually supported by my friends, church, and family. Delores and I met at a Bethel-McPherson ball game. Later, we married and lived together in Topeka the 2nd year of my service.

My career decision had always been to be a teacher. While in service the director of the Health Lab asked me why I wanted to to be a teacher. He wanted me to take some Biology classes at K. S. and remain under his employment. This again, reinforces our good working relationship and he seemingly being pleased with my work.

After my last year in I-W service I accepted a teaching position and have completed my 36th year of teaching. I decided to semi-retire. Next year I will continue teaching Adult Ed. & possibly sub some. However, I do have some freedom in fall, winter, and spring that I never had before.

Love,
Uncle Leonard