In October of 1966, Michael Chiarodo enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. By January of 1967, he was stationed in Vietnam to serve America in the Vietnam War.
“The Marine Corps was the only branch of service that I thought to join,” Chiarodo said. “I loved their uniforms. The dress blues, they were just fantastic.”
Chiarodo joined the military at the height of the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War. His training only lasted around three months due to the necessity of troops abroad, yet he remembers the roughness and physicality of boot camp during those short months.
“I joined the military because I thought it was my duty,” Chiarodo said. “Our country was at war, and I felt that I needed to serve our country. Maybe the decision was wrong because of the war that we fought, but that was my prerogative. I decided I thought it was my duty to go.”
Chiarodo was honorably discharged in 1968 and received a sergeant stripe while he was in a hospital in Virginia receiving treatment following his return home from Vietnam. He has two purple hearts representing two gunshot wounds he sustained during the war.
“I was trying to stay alive every day,” Chiarodo said. “We engaged the enemy everyday trying to keep them from our airbase. We went on major operations. I knew that I was lucky to be alive. War is something you never forget.”
After he returned home, Chiarodo began a career as a foreman with Sherwin-Williams at a plant in Chicago for 32 years where he worked the midnight shift.
“I got along with all the operators who I worked with. I worked alongside every race, creed and color,” Chiarodo said. “I don’t see color. Everyone is Marine Corps green to me.”
He moved to Valpo 10 years ago because he liked this area and the surrounding communities.
Following his move to the Region, Chiarodo began volunteering at the Disabled American Veterans chapter 102 as an officer to help disabled veterans receive benefits from the United States government.
“I really enjoyed it,” Chiarodo said. “I retired after seven years. The Veterans Administration (VA) system is hard to navigate if you don’t have the right representation, so I enjoyed helping other veterans with it.”
Currently, Chiarodo volunteers with the Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter 988 and is trying to help them build their presence in the area.
On Saturday nights, Chiarodo plays poker with friends. He looks forward to the game every week because of the good people he plays with, their camaraderie and the entertainment of the game.
This past holiday season, Chiarodo dressed up as the grinch, and he walked down Lincolnway passing out candy and treats to children. Much of his free time is taken up with helping other people in any way that he can.
“It was an honor serving my country,” Chiarodo said. “I think everybody should get a taste of the military to see what it is like. The only way we can keep this country free is with a strong military and strong leaders.”