Dewey Riehn recalls listening to the stories of his uncles' service during World War II, which created in him his own desire to serve.
"Hearing them speak of their experiences during the war really intrigued me," Riehn said.
In later years, this influence would lead to Riehn's own service in two branches of the military and his involvement with the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Riehn enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1956, shortly after his graduation from high school in Jackson.
After his initial training, he was briefly assigned to Camp Pendleton, Calif., and then sent to Camp Fuji, Japan, as part of the 3rd Marine Division.