Current movie, “Devotion”
The story of Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner in the movie is true. There’s much more to the story, which involves me and my family. Really.
It happened like this…
1972. Hubby is an Ensign in the Navy, headed to Vietnam on the carrier USS Kennedy. His squadron was VF-32, the same squadron as Brown and Hudner. He heard the story. Everyone in VF-32 knew the story of Brown and Hudner.
2005. Son was assigned to his first Navy squadron, amazingly also VF-32. We visited him in Virginia Beach, and he showed us the Ready Room and the squadron hanger. I still remember walking down the hallway and seeing Jesse Brown’s portrait on the wall. I asked about him, and our son gave us the ‘long and proud’ story. VF-32 will always honor these heroes.
At the same time, our son’s school reached out to alumni, ‘what are you doing now’, for their annual bulletin. Hubby wrote what our son was doing. Low and behold he got a phone call from the Development Director:
“Hi Steve. Thank you for writing about your son. I was so excited to read that he is assigned to VF-32. This is Tom Hudner. My father was also Tom Hudner, and assigned to VF-32.”
Well… as you can imagine, that was a long and memorable conversation. What a connection! Hudner flew the F4U Corsair. Hubby flew the F4 Phantom. Son flew the F18 Super Hornet.
Oh, there’s more…
July 2010. The newest Fisher House was built in Boston. Fisher Houses are a wonderful charity of the Fisher family- Zachary Fisher recovered the USS Intrepid (ready to be scrapped) and turned it into a museum in NYC. His family now builds houses alongside VA hospitals for families of soldiers to have a place to stay. As is the tradition, Medal of Honor recipients participate in the groundbreaking ceremony.
Captain Tom Hudner USN was there.
April 2011. My class gifted our God Bless America quilt to the Boston Fisher House, after it was invited to be on display at the Intrepid Museum. For those of you who know my Milly the Quilter blog posts, this is a wonderful story. Here is a snippet: https://jenniefitzkee.com/2021/07/31/milly-part-6/
I saw Tom Hudner’s picture on the wall of the Fisher House, holding a shovel at the groundbreaking ceremony.
July 2011. This was the one-year anniversary of the Fisher House. The quilt was the heart of the event. The Fisher Family was there, as is the custom at a one-year anniversary. We sang, presented the quilt, and received Command Coins from the Fishers. I made sure I walked over to Tom Hudner’s photo. I talked to him (really):
“Tom, you were the main event a year ago when the Fisher House opened, and I am the main event event at the one-year anniversary. What an honor to be a little part of you.”
Invitation to the one-year anniversary,
which includes a part of the God Bless America quilt.
July, 2013. Tom Hudner returned to Korea to try to find Jesse Brown’s remains, or the remains of the aircraft. He was 89 years ‘young’. He did not find anything, yet he never gave up after all those years. His son, Tom, told Hubby that his dad looked after Jesse Brown’s wife and remained friends for the rest of his life.
Tom Hudner was a real hero and role model for how to live your life – Ship, Shipmate, Self – as they say in the Navy.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
this is an amazing story and personal connection, and gave me chills –
I’m so glad, Beth. Thank you!
I love these serendipitous moments. You are blessed with them, but they only happen to those who look for them. This is a great, “It happened like this…” story.
What a lovely perspective, Darlene. Thank you! It is a great story. 🙂
What an amazing story, Jennie. You have found so many connections along the way. I don’t think it’s an accident that you have come in contact with so many good people.
Thank you so much, Dan. I do think there have been many connections, although not planned- it just happens. Lucky me. Yes, there have been so many good people along the way. Best to you!
How cool to have that connection, great stuff Jennie.
Very cool, and oh so lucky! Thank you, FR.
All those connections and I feel connected, too (the USS Intrepid, as you know). Such a lovely ‘living’ story with the kind acts continuing long after the ‘heroic events’ (taking care of the family, etc)
Well said, Laura! ‘Connecting’ is my new favorite word. 😀
Nothing beats such a personal connection to many lives going full circle. That is inspirational indeed, dear Jennie!
Best wishes, Pete.
Well said, Pete, and thank you so much! I’m glad it inspired you!
Wow, small world eh! What a wonderful connection and story. It made me tear up.
Yes, a very small world! This was such a wonderful connection, my heart is swollen. Thank you, Deborah!
What a fabulous story, Jennie. Thank you for sharing it. I think your goodness keeps you in good circles. Bless you.
Thank you so much, John. I am touched by your blessing. I knew this would resonate with you. What a series of connections. I do believe that goodness is fundamental (one of the reasons I love your Friday posts). Look up John Phillips’ quote from the 1700’s about goodness and knowledge. Wow! Best to you!
Thank you, Jennie. I’ll look it up.
You’re welcome, John. Let me know what you think of the quote.
I’m having trouble finding it. I’ll keep looking.
“Goodness without knowledge is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous. Both united form the noblest character and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind.” John Phillips, founder of Phillips Exeter Academy, 1781.
Excellent, Jennie. Thank you. 😁
You’re welcome, John. This is one quote I won’t forget.
I can believe that. 😁
🙂
Thanks for providing the backstory to an amazing tale. It’s wonderful how things interconnect and one thing leads to another. I wasn’t familiar with the movie, but now I’m going to look for it.
I’m glad you liked it, Pete. It really is an amazing story, and how things connected still has me in awe. It’s a great movie, too. When you see it, you might not understand the flyover at the end. It’s called ‘the missing man formation’. Very moving!
I knew nothing of this. I must go find the movie…
Enjoy! What a story, and a connection.
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you, Michael!
That is reall a wonderful story, and the connection you have is beautiful. Now, you should start quiliting again, to visit also others of the Fisher Houses. 😉 Best wishes, Michael
You know, I would love to find another ‘Milly’ and make another quilt. I have tried, and maybe I need to keep trying. Yes, that whole story is one of my favorites, what a connection! Best to you, Michael.
Great to hear, Jennie! Best wishes also to you! xx Michael
😍
Amazing Jennie and such incredible connections over the years. It sounds like a film to watch so will look out for it. Happy New Year.. ♥
Thank you, Sally. The connections are amazing, and some of the best moments in my teaching. Happy New Year, my friend. 🎉
♥♥
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Thank you, Sally!
Jennie, an amazing post of personal connections and reading on I got goosebumps and imagine you all felt the same when watching the movie. The warmth and kindness of everyone is incredible and a very moving post. Wishing you a lovely New Year!
Thank you, Annika. I still find the whole story and connections amazing. It’s one of my fondest memories. The movie brought it back to life. Happy New Year to you.
What an amazing story Jennie. You know what they say – there is so much truth in fiction. ❤
I still pinch myself at how this is all intertwined. Yes, there is so much truth in fiction!
🙂
What a wonderful post, Jennie, and a series of connections to Hudner. Meant to happen, I think. Now I’ll be sure to watch the movie. 🙂
Thank you, Diana! I think it was meant to be, too. 🥰
HI Jennie, a great post about your family’s connections to Hudner. A most interesting story.
Hi Robbie, I still find this connection incredible. It’s quite a famous story. Glad you enjoyed it.
What a story! I plan to watch that movie!
It really is! I hope you enjoy the movie!