Editor’s note: This tribute is one in a series of reader-submitted tributes to Vietnam War-era veterans that will be posted during April. 

SGT. JOEL COURREGES SR., USMC

HOMETOWN: Bremerton

BRANCH: U.S. Marine Corps

YEARS OF SERVICE: 3

HIGHEST RANK OR GRADE ATTAINED: Sergeant

SIGNIFICANT DUTY STATIONS OR DEPLOYMENTS DURING THE VIETNAM WAR: Two tours as a mortar man in Phu Bai and Danang, where he was wounded.

POST-WAR CAREER: Owner/operator truck driver for 36 years, retiring in 2006 because of the effects of Agent Orange. Service officer for Disabled American Veterans, commander of DAV Bremerton chapter, served on county Veterans Advisory Board.