Mr. Carlin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966. He completed his boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, then to Camp Geiger, North Carolina, for motor transport training where he was assigned to B Company 2nd Med at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Shortly after that, he was reassigned to motor transport at Camp Geiger where he transported troops. Bill was later sent to Vietnam for a one-year deployment where he drove a truck carrying ammunition.
When William returned to his home in Connecticut, it was difficult transitioning back into civilian life, especially because of the manner in which Vietnam Veterans were treated. William talks about how much it hurt to have everyone turn their backs on him, but he also mentions how lucky he was because he had such a good family that helped him through the hard times by offering him support. He doesn’t think he will ever get over his tour in Vietnam, although when asked if he had to go again, there was no hesitation when he said, “I would definitely do it.”
William met the love of his life at age 17, and they have been married for 47 years. He couldn’t say enough nice things about her. “If it wasn’t for my wife, I wouldn’t be here. I have had some hard times where I just wanted to quit, and she wouldn’t let me. My wife has been very encouraging and still takes such good care of me,” says William.
William now resides in North Carolina and is currently experiencing the effects of Agent Orange. Purple Heart Homes will be adding a ramp to the front of his home to make it easier for both William and his wife to get outside. Because William has mobility issues, a handicap accessible shower will also be installed in their home. Both William and his wife express how much they appreciate what Purple Heart Homes is doing to their home and what it means not to have such a hard time getting in and out of the house.
It is an honor for Purple Heart Homes to assist in making the needed improvements to the Carlin’s home to provide a good quality of life for William and his family. Thank you, William, for your service to our country and welcome to our Purple Heart Homes Family!
