Oct 28Veteran’s Day Spotlight: Leroy’s Story of Honor and Sacrifice
In many ways, Leroy Schmidt was a typical Wisconsin kid—he helped his grandfather milk the cows on their farm, attended high school, and dated his high-school sweetheart, whom he later married and spent 56 beautiful years together.
But at just 16 years old, Leroy did something extraordinary. “I joined the military in ’53. I told my Dad: ‘You have to sign, I want to get going.’ I went in when I was almost 17, but not quite yet, 16 and three-quarters,” he said laughing. “That’s why I had to have my dad sign so I could go.” The Korean War was a world away from the family farm in Wisconsin where Leroy Schmidt grew up, but he was determined to serve his country.
A Determined Leroy Joins the Navy…at 16
Leroy joined the United States Navy and was a member of a highly competitive special operations force called the Underwater Demolition Team (known today as the Navy SEALs). “It was very hard to learn how to do what they wanted you to do. It was very hard on you. Class started with 133 and only 30 of us graduated.”
Serving abroad came with many challenges, but being so far from his loved ones was the hardest. “I was sitting out in the Pacific Ocean when I got a telegram that my first born was born. I never seen him for 3 months…I have to give it to my wife because she put up with it. She never knew where we were until I could get to a phone, but I couldn’t even tell her where we were.”
Returning Home after Serving for Eight Years
Leroy envisioned a long career serving in the military, but sadly, his dream was cut short after serving proudly for 8 years. “[There was an] underwater explosion, and I was in too close to it, and when the blast come and hit me on this side, it took this hearing out and all but 13% on this side,” explained Leroy while pointing to his ears.
After he returned home, Leroy and his wife raised their three boys. He then worked as a tool and die maker for Racine Hydraulics for 37 years before retiring. His wife has since passed away, but Leroy enjoys recounting their many world travels—having visited every continent in the world!
Leroy Moves to Marian Housing Center
For the past three years, Leroy has called Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Marian Housing Center in Racine, Wisconsin home. “It is a great place to live. It’s close to the hospital and the stores. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
He learned about Marian Housing Center from his girlfriend, who also lives in the community. Together, they enjoy participating in programming hosted at their community and attending festivals and theater performances. Leroy also stays busy managing their community’s garden – waking up early every morning to water the garden and sharing its bounty with his fellow residents, hunting and fishing with his sons, and woodcarving. Two years ago, Leroy got cochlear implants and regained about 63% of his hearing in one ear, which enabled him to experience his environment in new ways.
With the support of an affordable home at Marian Housing Center, Leroy enjoys an active life and contributes to the vibrancy of his community. At Mercy Housing Lakefront, we proudly provide an affordable program-enriched home for veterans like Leroy, who have and continue to do so much for others.
