After the Army:
After leaving the service I went back to construction, learned the masonry trades and made them my life's work, retiring after forty years.

My wife Lucille and I have two children, Anthony and Rosanne.  We now have five grandchildren, Brendan J., Briana R., and Gabrielle M. Heckman and twin grandsons Benjamin A. and Patrick H. Vernali.

Current Occupation:

Social/Veteran Organizations:
Member, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen

Most Memorable Moment at Tomb:
On November 11, 1954, I was assigned as wreath bearer for a ceremony in which the British Ambassador presented a wreath to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  A General, who I believe was the MDW Commander at the time, was the host.

It had been very busy at the Tomb with many ceremonies.  In those days, all the flowers remained throughout the day and then were taken out by truck after closing hours.  Needless to say, it became very crowded with flowers.

After I carried the wreath onto the plaza to the dignitaries, I remained in position next to the General and Ambassador.  At some point I received a whispered order from the General, to move the wreath which was centered directly in front of the Tomb a little to the side to make room for the Ambassador's flowers.

I knew that the wreath the General wanted adjusted was the President's wreath, and should not have been moved from its centered position in front of the Tomb, but I proceeded to follow the command in a military manner.

It caused a big commotion in the Tomb room after the ceremony, but luckily I survived the storm.

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