In Honor of Veteran’s Day 2008 (my first post)

It just came to me today how to do something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time.  For Christmas several years ago, Melanie made copies of letters my paternal grandparents, Dewain Silvester and Zola Rudd Silvester, wrote while my grandfather was away during World War II.  These letters encompass the time when my father, Richard Dewain Silvester, was born.  I’ve wanted to type these letters and share them with others.  It’s been a bit of a daunting and overwhelming task, but if I break it down into a single letter per entry, I can work on it during quiet times around my home.

Please excuse my typographical errors and my legibility errors (some of the photocopied handwriting is hard to read – I’m sure I’ll get better with practice).  Also, if you have any additional stories of my grandparents that you’d like to share, please let me know.  I would love photos, stories, experiences and more.  These are two of my favorite people that I’ve ever known, and I want share their memories and experiences with others.

Some quick vitals:

Dewain Silvester, born 16 July 1921 in Rexburg, Idaho; married 3 April 1943, Riverside, California; died 10 October 2001 in Rexburg, Idaho.

Zola Rudd Silvester, born 5 August 1921 in Parker, Idaho; died 3 October 1995 in Ammon, Idaho

Richard Dewain Silvester, born 22 December 1944 in St. Anthony, Idaho; still living (hooray for my dad!)

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Cover Page (my second post)

This is the cover note typed up in Zola’s binder – I think typed by Zola herself (the type looks familiar, like on the recipes I have from her, cards and letters I remember, and more).

These are letters written at the time of World War II.  Dewain Silvester was drafted into the Army in August 1942.  He was stationed in Salt Lake for 6 weeks and then to Fort Stewart Georgia; and then to North Carolina to Officer’s Candidate School in December 1942.  He graduated in Feb. 1943 with a 2nd Lt. Comm.

Zola Rudd was working in St. Anthony, idaho at the time – had been dating Dewain for quite some time, and had accepted an engagement ring.  In March 1943, she went to Riverside, California, where he was stationed.   They were married 3 April 1943, and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple 2 Nov ’43.  He was stationed at Camp Haan, Riverside, California.  She worked at the Station Hospital, March Field, California. (Just across the street.) He was later transferred to Camp Cook, (near Santa Maria) California.  They were there for 3 months (living in one room, share the bath).  Transferred back to Riverside, he left to go overseas in Oct. 1944.  She finally went to her father’s home in Parker, ID, where their first son, Richard Dewain was born 22 Dec. 1944.

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