11/12/2025
A belated Happy Veterans Day from The Zimmerman Agency 2025 🇺🇸
It is Z tradition to share the stories of our Z loved ones who are veterans or still active in the military today. It truly reflects America’s commitment to freedom. Thank you to the brave men and women who served or are serving our great country. God Bless America!
Curtis Zimmerman - My father, Richard “Butch” Zimmerman, was a very proud Marine who served in the 21st Marine Regiment in World War 2. He was the recipient of three Purple Hearts – one from an injury from a hand gr***de, one from hand-to-hand combat, and one from a bullet wound, as well as other medals for combat duty during war. He and the surviving members of his unit were nominated for the Silver Star for a battle to take over a key Japanese target that was instrumental to our efforts. Also, both of my brothers served in the United States Navy, and my father-in-law, Roger Engert, was a proud Marine.
Carrie Zimmerman - My father, Roger Englert, was a WWII Marine. So proud of all those who served and serve to keep America free.
Sheila Simpson/Wendy Kerr- For Wendy and me, our dad’s father, Fletcher Cornelius McLaurin, was in the United States Army, and our stepfather, Wayland Culbreth, was in the United States Navy; both served and fought in World War II. His dad was part of the infantry on the front lines, and his stepfather served on a battleship. Our dad, David McLaurin, was a member of the United States Army Reserve for three years. We’re thankful to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country!
Brittany Timms - My Poppop, Robert Morgan Timms, was in the 29th division of the Maryland National Guard and stationed out of the Centerville, Maryland, armory. My family and I are so thankful for all the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms every day. Happy Veteran’s Day ❤ 🤍💙
John Towler - My Dad flew aircraft over Vietnam and Georgia, where he flew around a famous Peanut farmer from Plains, GA (then Gov. Jimmy Carter). I had the distinction of serving in the 1stCAV (watch Apocalypse Now). I received an Army commendation medal in my first two years. In the rows of ribbons on a soldier’s uniform, from top to bottom of importance, it ranks 6th top row. Stationed in Alaska and Ft Rucker, which ironically is where I spent time as a child because my family was stationed there.
Jana Abernathy - My grandpa, Dewitt, was a Sniper in the Marine Corps (gunny sergeant) for 20+ years and retired in 1975. He went to Vietnam 3 times (which says it all) and basically every country across the globe. He was also a supply and recruiting officer in his later years and taught the local ROTC programs (which he made my mom and her siblings join, LOL). Safe to say, everyone on this side of my family is a great shot. My dad, Macon, was a First Lt. in the US NAVY and was a civil engineer (he kept the ships running!) He was on ships Forrestal and the Saratoga, which were aircraft carriers – he went to Spain for a long-haul and all over the country (my mom wasn’t allowed to know where else, and he never told us). After his service, he went on to build the Mayport, FL, commissary, many naval barracks, and jet testing facilities at NAS JAX.
Emily Barrow - My Great Uncle, Dick McElroy, served in the Navy on board a ship in the South Pacific during WWII. My Great Uncle, Morris Morgan, served in England during WWII. Our cousin Walter Payne, Jr, was in the USAF based at Andrews Air Force Base. My Mom's twin brother, and my Uncle, Jack, served in the US Army during peacetime and was stationed in Germany. My father-in-law, Jack Gray, tried to sign up for WWII, but they told him he was too young, so he bided his time and ultimately served in the Army in Frankfurt, Germany, after the war. Thank you to all who serve!
Kaitlin Harris - Thankful to all the men and women who have served our country proudly! In my own family, I’m thankful for two grandfathers who served in the Coast Guard and Navy, and for my husband, Joe, who served eight years in the Army National Guard. (Also thankful that he no longer has that mustache…)
