MDNA Veteran Spotlight: James Conway and Ryan Emmons

Private First-Class James Conway

Sergent Ryan Emmons

Through November 10th, we're proudly sharing the stories of U.S. Veterans. This week's spotlight is on U.S. Army Private First-Class James Conway and U.S. Marine Sergent Ryan Emmons, Father and Stepson, respectively of Mark Conway.  Mark is with MDNA Member Tramar industries. 
 
Mark’s father, Pvt First Class James Conway, known as “The Smiling Irishman” was a decorated World War II Combat Engineer.  He enlisted in the army in 1940 and did his basic training at Fort Custard in Kalamazoo, MI.  He was then stationed in Fort Worden WA from 1941-1944.  He shipped off to France in July of 1944. 
 
In late December 1944, James fought in Ardennes Forest Campaign (the Battle of the Bulge), when German forces staged a massive drive to recapture lost areas in the Ardennes region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, in what some say was Germany’s last stand.
 
It was during this battle that James was wounded in action on December 13, 1944, earning his first purple heart. He was wounded again on December 21, 1944, earning as second purple heart.  It was this injury that took him out of action, and he spent the remainder of the war recovering from his wounds.
 
Private First-Class James Conway was honorably discharged in 1945 and spent the next 35 years working at Chrysler, retiring in the 1980’s.
 
James passed away in 2001.
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MDNA Veteran Spotlight: Sergent Ryan Emmons
 
Mark Conway’s step son, Sergent Emmons served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2000- 2005.  His MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was Helicopter Mechanic.  He served in the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1) and traveled to South Korea with President George W. Bush.
 
Ryan Now works as a Cyber Security Manager in Georgia.
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A grateful nation and the MDNA thank you for your service and are honored to celebrate you during our salute to all Veterans.