Carl wasn't the first in his line to proudly serve in defense of the country.  His father, Alvin Enerson registered for the draft during WWI.  William Pinkham Sikes, Geneva's grandfather and Carl's great-grandfather fought on both sides during the American Civil war.  Nila spoke too of having uncles who fought on both sides that conflict.  There is evidence by way of Veteran's records of a Cornelius Sikes, ancestor on Geneva's side, who fought with the 1st North Carolina Regiment, Wilmington District Brigade at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge on February 27, 1776.  That battle and the defeat of the Scotsman Loyalists kept the British from conducting maneuvers in North Carolina for the remainder of the revolution.

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As it stands today, the family line through blood and marriage has taken the call for service and has written that blank check to defend our country across the globe. 

 

From WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, numerous training missions and readiness postures, the family has always been there when the call came up.  From Carl and Nila's in-laws, children and nephews, grandchildren and great-grand sons and daughters, the legacy continues.  Find below unit patches we have and are now wearing with pride, marking our service to the nation.