The Connells Leave Germany

Laura got another story for us--it's about Granddad JC and Grandma Izzy when they moved back to the States after being stationed in Germany. Enjoy!

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BREMEHAVEN, GERMANY

An indispensable radio repairman, granddaddy JC was stationed in Bremerhaven Germany.

In 1968, JC (a major sergeant first class) needed to go back to the states for Norman’s funeral. The general said JC would have to reenlist if he left and wanted to come back to Bremerhaven (JC was coming up on retirement).

So, instead of reenlisting, he decided to retire. The guy that replaced JC had no idea how to maintain the equipment; and the commander over JC was a bum (according to granddad). JC told the commander about the repairman's incompetence, but the commander did nothing.

Granddad brushed up the satellite to run for several months after he left, but warned the commander that the repairman didn't know how to fix it.

Well, later, a fellow retiree/buddy from NC showed up at JC's house in SC. (JC was keeping the kids while Izzy was teaching during the day - he was working the night shift).

JC: It sure is great to see you.

Buddy: Would you like to know what happened after you left?

JC: Sure.

Buddy: The Bremerhaven station went down for 2 weeks, and they ended up court marshalling the commander. He was up for retirement soon, so it didn't ruin his career, but he ended up losing a stripe. And a TON of retirement money.

Izzy’s side: “Well, he (JC) left first. And I had to clear out quarters.”

<that means packup and move>

She packed out the house and lived with a friend for a few days (and used her kitchen)

She had 6 kids plus their luggage. To catch the flight, they had to take 2 taxis. Bob and Grace were late, and grandma was having a fit.

She went up to the line and the man at the ticket counter said, 'I see you on the itinerary, but no children. I’m sorry; you'll just have to wait for a different plane.'

"I’ll take that ticket. YOU take the children."

Well, he could tell she was serious. He made arrangements, and suddenly there was room on the plane :)

They bumped a few GIs, who were all sitting around and very graciously said, 'no problem' when she explained she had bumped their seats.

Stories of J.O. Thompson and Grace Campbell

Laura got some stories from Grandma Izzy about J O and Grace Thompson, and here are some of her notes!
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Grace was engaged to a wealthy man in town for 3 years, and JO was a humble farmer. And they got married - to each other. How did this all get started?

J.O. had married his sweetheart at 17 in Newnan, Georgia. He had his farm, his sweetheart, and two beautiful children - his happily ever after was coming true.

Then, a measles epidemic came, taking his two children and his wife.

The devastated young lover took residence with his uncle John on a neighboring farm. One day, JO said to John - I can't bear this place and its memories any more. John, I need to go - far away.

So JO hopped on the train in GA and rode the rails for – who knows where?

When he got to southern Virginia, he got off; found a job farming growing food for Mary Baldwin College (they grew all their own food at that time).

Unlike most men of the day, Grace's father believed women should be educated, and he paid her tuition for Mary Baldwin’s sewing college (located in southern Virginia).

She worked in a little sewing shop for high end alterations; furs, evening gowns, suits. etc. she'd been engaged for 3 years to a man in NC.

Just a few short months after leaving Newnan, JO decided to put his grief behind him.

He took notice of Grace Campbell, working in the office.

‘You have no ring. Do you have a fella?’

‘Yes, we’ve been engaged for three years.’

‘Three years! I don't know your fella at all, but I don’t think he loves you.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘You’ve been engaged for three years, and he hasn’t married you. I'll marry you right now!'

And so, they courted, fell in love, and had 9 kids together! (She got married at 27).

Including my grandma Izzy.