Crisman is a Veteran of the Korean War, having been drafted in September of 1951. Crisman was drafted with Walden Eggers from the Wagner area. At the time of Crisman's draft, Marines were needed and he was chosen to become a Marine. Crisman attended boot camp at Camp Elliot and rifle training at Camp Pendelton both in San Diego, CA. After his two months of training, he was then sent to Camp LeJeune in North Carolina where he received his training as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. After receiving his specialized training, he was then transferred to the Santa Ana Army Air Force Base.

Crisman did not see any combat, but played a big role in finding and fixing up combat vehicles that were sent overseas to aid in the war. There were several memories that stood out to Roland. Getting to see the blimp hangers at the Marine Corp Air Station in Tustin, CA was a memory that really stood to Roland. There were two blimp hangers. The hangers were huge and could be seen for miles. The hangers could hold up to nine blimps each at a time. Roland was able to go for a cruise in a blimp and saw Hollywood during that trip.

Crismanmethiswife,Mayme Andersh, at a dance in Dante, SD. They were engaged while Crisman was being drafted and married within two weeks. As a military wife, Mayme was able to travel to visit Crisman at Camp LeJeune. Having never left the midwest, it was quite remarkable that she traveled by herself from Wagner to North Carolina having just been out of high school. After returning home in September of 1953, Crisman started farming with his wife's father and eventually with his brother Roy Jr.

Crisman and Mayme had five children Pamela, Bruce, John, Julie and Nan. On the farm they raised milk cows, pigs and chickens. Roland's hobbies have included pheasant hunting, fishing, camping in the hills, making beautiful, intrique macrame designs on lawn chairs and riding his John Deere tractor.

Crisman has been a member of Greer Post #11 American Legion for the last 70 years, having just recently received his 70 year Legion patch. He joined as soon as he returned home from the service. During his membership with the American Legion he has held the office of Adjutant. He walked into his first American Legion meeting and was selected to be the Adjutant and held that position for over seven years.

Crisman is also a member of the Masons, having served as the Master of the Lodge, 4-H leader and founder of the Ravinia Hardworker 4-H Club, Plain Center Township Board member and President of the Irrigation District.

Crisman is a part of a long tradition of proud military men and woman. His father, Roy, having served in the Navy in WWII and all of his brothers serving in the military as well as his sisters all marrying servicemen. The tradition continued with his own sons, Bruce and John both serving in the military and even three of his grandchildren joining the service.

Thank you Roland for your service and for being the August Veteran of the month.