Bill Huenig

Bill Huenig’s military journey began in 1946, but his story of service is unique. Born and raised in College Point, New York, Bill originally attempted to join the Navy in the spring of 1945. However, due to the overwhelming number of young men volunteering at that time, including high physical requirements and medical disqualifications such as his overbite and color blindness, Bill’s attempt to serve in the Navy was thwarted. After the war ended, he returned to high school but did not finish. In June 1946, with an ultimatum from his father to either find a job or join the military, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army—a decision he regards as one of the best choices of his life.

During his time in the Army, Bill was stationed in Alaska from October 1947 until April 1949, a period that offered him remarkable experiences in a region that was still a U.S. territory at the time. His service in Alaska is something he fondly remembers, particularly his involvement in radar operations. One of his most significant assignments involved dismantling and relocating a radar system from Fairbanks to Galina, a remote area accessible only by air or river. The journey down the Yukon River, traveling 700 miles by barge, left a lasting impression on Bill, offering him a rare and adventurous glimpse of Alaska’s untamed frontier. He also noted the remnants of military infrastructure from World War II, such as Quonset huts and high-water marks left from earlier floods, reflecting the strategic importance of Alaska during the war.

After his time in Alaska, Bill left the military with 60 days of accumulated leave, allowing him to be discharged a bit early in April 1949. His post-military career took him to Grumman Aircraft, where he worked for 20 years. At Grumman, Bill applied the skills he had learned in the military, particularly in radar technology. He worked on various aircraft, including the F8F, AF2S anti-submarine planes, and the F9 fighter series. His work was integral to the development of anti-submarine warfare technology for the Navy, and his career at Grumman spanned from 1949 to 1970.

Despite his valuable work in aviation, Bill eventually decided to leave the aircraft industry. After a brief period working in Warner Robins, Georgia, on C-130s, Bill transitioned to the U.S. Postal Service, where he leveraged his Veterans Preference to secure a job. He worked at the postal service for another 20 years before retiring. His military service, combined with his work in aviation and the postal service, provided him with stability and fulfillment throughout his life.

Reflecting on his military service, Bill acknowledges that it shaped him in many ways. He believes that the Army gave him opportunities and experiences that he would never have encountered otherwise, taking him to places like Texas, Florida, California, and, of course, Alaska. He believes that the discipline and structure of military life helped him in his subsequent civilian careers, particularly in working with people from different backgrounds and learning to respect everyone, regardless of their walk of life.

Bill moved to Florida in 1970 and settled in Dunedin in 1973, where he has lived for many years. After spending some time in Texas with his wife, he returned to Dunedin in 2023, following her passing in 2021. With three of his five children residing in the area, Bill felt it was the best place for him to be, particularly after experiencing health issues. Now, back in the community he has known for decades, Bill reflects on the changes he’s witnessed in Dunedin over the years, marveling at how much it has grown and modernized since he first arrived.

When asked if he would do anything differently if given the chance, Bill mentions that he might have taken more advantage of the G.I. Bill and pursued further education. However, he remains content with the path he chose and the opportunities that came his way. He firmly believes that military service is beneficial for young people, giving them the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds and learn about the world beyond their hometowns.

At 94 years old, Bill still believes in the importance of respect and unity, values that have guided him throughout his life. He laments the divisions in society today, noting that we cannot continue on the current path of discord and strife. Bill’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and service, not only to his country but to his community as well. He is a living testament to the impact that military service can have on a person’s life, providing them with skills, experiences, and perspectives that last a lifetime.