95-year-old Army veteran remembers World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars

At 95 years old, retired Sgt. 1st Class Herbert Getchel is proud that he was able to serve in the Army for more than 25 years and in three wars.  

Getchel, who now lives in Autryville, was drafted into the Army as a heavy equipment operator during the midst of World War II from his home state of Maine.  

After 18 weeks of basic training at Camp Crowder, Missouri, Getchel went to engineering school at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  

“I was standing in the chow line and another fellow and I were talking. There was a private ahead of me and he said, ‘Pvt. Getchel, I might be able to help you,' and I thought, ‘Well, you’re a private the same as me,’” Getchell said.