by David Guth and Jonathan Ritsema

When someone puts on a uniform of the United States armed forces, it’s a tangible expression of their personal commitment to the service and the nation.

For one Oklahoma veteran, it means even more. His military uniform represents how he identifies himself and how he wishes to be remembered. An incomplete uniform presents an incomplete picture.

That’s why Lt. Col. Donald Marshall, U.S. Air Force retired, initially balked at participating in his hometown’s Veterans Day parade. Marshall, who turns 101 in a few months, is a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Marshall’s attorney convinced him to do it, but he conditioned his participation in the parade on his wearing a complete uniform.

Marshall had only his hat, service coat and pants — an incomplete uniform presenting an incomplete picture.

That’s when American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Manager Jonathan Ritsema jumped into action. He started by reaching out to the Oklahoma Veteran’s Council, thinking he would be tracking down vintage items.

“After seeing a picture of his uniform, I realized that we could get by with modern replacements for his shirt, belt, shoes and tie. I went to the Military Clothing Store on Tinker Air Force Base and bought the items for him,” Ritsema said.

Ritsema worked with staff on base to get the items in several sizes to be sure Marshall would have things that fit him.

Sitting in a blue Jeep on Veterans Day prior to the start of the parade, Lt. Col. Marshall beamed with pride wearing his full uniform. Because of his declining health, Marshall knew the parade might be his last opportunity to reconnect with his military heritage by wearing the uniform he cherishes in public.

“This is not a normal thing for the Red Cross to do for a veteran, but this was a special case,” Ritsema said.

“It was an honor to be part of this. Lt. Col. Marshall is a hero, even though he bristles at the term when used for him, but he deserved the dignity and respect for his service.”

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.