A Veteran’s Living Honorary Legacy

Ollie Nimmons King
Contributor

Hello readers and fellow comrades: On Jan. 24, 2023, if it is the Lord's will, Aldolphus B. King, Sr., a wounded Vietnam veteran, will be 80 years old. He is the fourth-oldest living sibling, along with Lois King Nelson, George King, Little Dan King, Willie (Tee) King, and Laurie Mae Payne. His departed parents and siblings are: James King Sr. and Leona, Alphonso King, James King Jr., Mildred King, Mary King Barrington, Joseph King Sr., and Bertha King Bright.
Aldolphus Sr. is the father of Darin Washington, married to Jocelyn, living in Orlando, Fla.; Aldolphus King, Jr. living in Hackensack, Nj.; SHaHeen King, married to Shacasia living in Bristow, Va.; Elam King living in Atlanta, Ga.; Anthony DiCosmo, married to LaShada living in Portland, Or.; Zachary King living in Gambia of Africa, married to Nadriah; and James Robinson of Atlanta, Ga. and his wife. We have many grands and great-grandchildren that we are extremely proud they are doing well in school or a career.
Aldolphus Sr. attended and graduated from Howard Academy of Monticello in June of 1962. Upon graduation, he received a basketball scholarship through his coach, but he refused to attend for personal reasons. He worked odd jobs in Monticello at a local service station and at The Monticello News for Mr. Carr Settle with his best high school friend, Marvin Sevillian, for two years.
Aldolphus’ father said to him one day, “you got to choose a fork in the road and go,” and he left town with his best friend for Atlantic City, N. J. His journey began with many opportunities, new places, new people, and new jobs with excellent resources he had never experienced before.
One day, Uncle Sam sent a letter with his name on it... Drafted. That was the famous saying for young men during that time if they didn’t go to college. You would receive this message, “He Wants You.” You had to go; there was no skipping town, unless you were the only son in the family with medical issues. “Report to Broad Street Military Office in Newark, New Jersey on April 6, 1967.” Aldolphus’ oldest brothers, James King Jr., Army, and Joseph Sr., Navy, were already serving their time, but now it was his time to serve.
He passed his physical with no disorders or disabilities. Next, he headed to Fort Lewis, Wash. for training. Aldolphus quickly became an efficient soldier and earned the positions as Guidon Flag Man for his Company, and later he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division Special Orders for Tay Ninh, Republic of Vietnam. He left with prayers from his family and friends and a small Bible he kept wrapped in plastic for protection from moisture. He read the 71st Psalms everyday, or whenever he could, to stay guided by The Holy Spirit.
When the helicopter landed with the new recruits and him, they took a “hit,” and someone yelled, “Incoming! Hit the dirt, and welcome to Vietnam.” Aldolphus thought to himself, “My Lord, what am I doing here? A small town man of Monticello, Fla., what am I to do? Help me LORD! My first Combat Battle is to kill or be killed!”
One night, in Bible Study, Aldolphus asked our Pastor and teacher, Elder Lewis Anderson, before his demise, would he be punished? His reply was, “No, you had to obey.”
Within two weeks, his position was “A Point Man” for his Company, and he was nicknamed “Hawk.” Months later, Aldolphus was the Operator of The M60 Machine Gun that fired 760 rounds a minute, and every other round, a tracer to see at night. He carried this weapon daily, being 6 feet 4 inches with his Army pack, some ammo too, with the ammo-barrier (another soldier), caring the larger packs for the machines beside him.
He experienced pain and suffering, wounds that will never heal, dreams that recur often, love lost, sounds that remind him of the enemy, and friends acquired that died in combat next to him and on top of him. Nevertheless, with the help of Almighty God and the prayers of the righteous, he was brought back home safely!
Isaiah 54: 17 (KJV): “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” Amen.
Happy Birthday Aldolphus B. King, Sr!
From your loving and devoted wife, forever friend and caregiver.
I will tie a yellow ribbon on our old tree for you. It will represent your “Parade Home.”
“WOLFHOUNDS, HOO-AH!”