Former board chairman and Vietnam veteran pleased to see War Memorial in good condition
Not everyone who serves in the military is involved in combat situations. In fact, the U.S. Department of Defense states that approximately 27% of Vietnam veterans served in a combat zone, with others working in support roles. Dr. Bill Jennings falls into the latter category. His name is listed on the Vietnam War Honor Roll plaque located inside the Alger at the War Memorial.
Jennings, a 78-year-old resident of Grosse Pointe Woods, enlisted in the Navy in January 1968. While in the Navy Reserve from 1968 to 1971, he attended dental school at the University of Michigan. He graduated from dental school in 1971, was on active duty from 1971 to 1973, then inactive reserves until 1978.
“Being in a dental program, I had a deferment going through school as long as my grades were up and I was going to be graduating on schedule,” he said. “In the draft board’s mind, I was of more use to them as a dentist or a doctor than I would be as a foot soldier. “While I was in college and dental school, the draft evolved. After I enlisted in 1968, the lottery came about, and the draft was abolished by the time I left the military in 1978.”
In 1971, Jennings received basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. For the majority of his active-duty service, Lt. Jennings was stationed with a nuclear submarine squadron at Holy Loch, Scotland. He worked as an assistant dental officer aboard the USS Canopus, a ballistic submarine tender measuring 650 feet long and 13 decks high. As one of three dentists, Jennings was responsible for dental care of the ship’s personnel and submarine crews of the 10 subs in the squadron, as they rotated to and from the United States.
Jennings explained that the Canopus crews' job was to keep ballistic submarines in action, without having to return to the states.
“We had everything from foundries to canvas and machine shops, and missile and torpedo repair shops” he shared. “Behind the tender was a floating warehouse connected to a floating dry dock. There were 1,200 servicemen on the entire floating base at Holy Loch.”
Jennings was recognized for his volunteer efforts on dental care for families of crew and dental care education for the squadron. He used sports to improve local community involvement through sailing, bowling and basketball activities. He also was qualifying as Assistant Navigator when not in the clinic.
In response to what he wants younger folks to know about the Vietnam War and that period of American history, Jennings said the population was very divided on feelings about the war.
“When I came home on leave, I was instructed not to travel in military uniform. It felt funny that I would be that unpopular stateside, that service to our country would be so misunderstood and unappreciated,” he said. “What I experienced was nothing compared to what some others went through. This is what lead me to my involvement in support of all returning veterans, from all military actions.”
In civilian life, he spent over 45 years as a dentist. He had his own practice, retiring in 2018 from Jennings Dental Associates in Grosse Pointe.
Jennings was on The War Memorial Board of Directors from 2007 to 2015, serving as Chairman from 2012 to 2014.
“The organization went through major restructuring during my tenure on the board,” he said. “I’m happy to see The War Memorial in such good condition now, with a solid financial foundation and broad community appeal.”
He has since been involved with the Selfridge Air National Guard Base Community Council, the International Shipmasters Association, Dossins Great Lakes Museum, and the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary.
Jennings and his wife Anne were married in 1985 and have two children and three grandchildren.
To learn more about The War Memorial’s Vietnam War Commemoration Celebration, click here.