John Hummer enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in April of 1967. He began basic training at Parris Island, SC on 1967-06-29. His first assignment after basic training was at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida. Hummer received specialized training in helicopter repair. He qualified with the following equipment: rifle, aircraft startup, and the machine gun. Hummer served two tours in Vietnam and served in North Carolina. He worked with helicopters in combat support while assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He was discharged in San Diego, CA. 

John Richard Hummer was born to John G and Dorthy Hummer on 1949-04-29 in Suffern, NY. His father worked at Short Line Transportation Company and was a disabled World War II veteran. His mother worked as a waitress and school crossing guard. He had one brother, James. The Hummer’s moved from Fairlawn, NJ to Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah in 1955. Hummer was inducted into Boy Scout Cub Pack 50 in 1957. He attended school at Betsy Ross, Commodore Perry, and Mahwah High School. He played football at Mahwah High School. Hummer got his varsity letter junior year. He was an honorable mention for the North Bergen Interscholastic Athletic League in 1966. He graduated from Mahwah High School in 1967. He was also enrolled at Orange County Community College. He worked at Achenson’s Garage. Hummer enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in April 1967. After his discharge in San Diego, Hummer returned to Mahwah. Hummer married Kathleen Easterly on 1971-12-25 in Park Ridge, NJ. They have two daughters: ChrisAnne and Pamela. The Hummer’s currently reside in Tennessee. Hummer is an active member of the Bobby Ray Detachment 1377 of the Marine Corps League in McMinnville, TN. 

What were your parents’ or siblings’ feelings about you joining the service? Very mixed, and proud after graduation from Parris Island

(If enlisted) Why did you join? To help prevent the spread

What or who did you leave behind (family, child, pet) when you left to serve? Parents, brother, Grandmother, Aunt

(If enlisted) Why did you choose that branch? Join the best

What is your most vivid memory of your time training or in school? What was the best part? Being in Florida in winter

What was the worst part? Having to discipline others

What was the hardest part of training? Doing it their way 

What was the hardest part of the military life-style for you to adapt to? Why do you think it was? Vietnam; Football at MHS was a good groundwork..that you can do what you think you can’t

What was the easiest part of the military life-style for you to adapt to? Why do you think it was? Stateside

What are your recollections of that experience [wartime service]? Did 2 tours in Vietnam. Was better than the states with the anti war feelings 

Were you in a combat, combat support, or combat service support role? Or did the war zone make that designation irrelevant? Combat support helicopters. The perils are the same

(If combat/wartime) How did your combat (wartime) experience change you? Life can be short 

What kinds of friendships and camaraderie did you form while serving, and with whom? As stated brothers in arm

How did you stay in touch with family and friends? Mail

What was the best part of your service experience? Buddies that had your back

How were you received by your family and community? Good

How did you readjust to civilian life? Did you work or go back to school? Worked 

Did the G.I. Bill support your education? Yes

How did service change you? Yes. Life takes on a new meaning but having faced death it doesn’t bother me 

Did you continue any friendships after service? For how long? Somewhat

How did service affect the way you relate to others? Differently

Do you attend reunions? Some

How did your military service experiences affect your life? Yes. To be a leader; complete the mission no matter what… Improvise, adapt, overcome

What are some life lessons you learned from your military service? To treat people how you would like to be treated. To get respect you must give respect 

How has your military service impacted your feelings about war and the military in general? When necessary do it but don’t handcuff the people who execute it

What message would you like to leave for future generations who will view/hear this interview? Remember what this nation was and is founded on

Is there anything you’ve always wanted to share about your service or veteran experience that now never have? That now we respect our troops, when I returned from Vietnam we were treated badly 

"16 Boys Inducted by Cub Pack 50," The Sunday News, November 17, 1957, p. 49. 

"Dr. Bishop Bows Out With Graduates," The Record, June 24, 1967, p. 8.

"Hummer in Vietnam," The Record, March 17, 1971, p. 7.

"John G. Hummer," The Record, April 6, 1975, p. 77. 

John Hummer, Questionnaire, Mahwah Veterans Project.

John Hummer, U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-2016.

John R Hummer, 1950 United States Federal Census.

John R Hummer, New Jersey, U.S., Marriage Index, 1901-2016.

John Richard Hummer, Missouri, U.S., United Methodist Church Records, 1856-1970.

John Richard Hummer, U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019.

John Richard Hummer, U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-2016.

Mahwah, Bergen Passaic Football.

"Mahwah QB Finnerty Holds Key to Successful Season," The Sunday News, September 18, 1966, p. 106. 

"Mahwah," Ramapo Valley Independent, February 24, 1955, p. 2.