The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

WASHTUCNA – Roy McKenzie was just 17 years old when he enlisted in the Army in 1948.

Growing up in Primeville, Oregon, he joined the Army before finishing high school, and left the day after Christmas for basic training in Fort Ord, California.

World War II was over, and the country was at peace.

After a 15-day visit home, McKenzie shipped out of San Francisco for Japan in the spring of 1949.

“I spent 17 days on the troop ship, and I was never so glad to get off,” McKenzie said. “I think we take things for granted nowadays. It’s so much different now, the modern way they go; th...