His story is the story of America in the last four decades.
Sgt. Maj. Michael Jarnevic, who shipped out for Vietnam fresh off his Marine Corps boot camp graduation in 1973, will retire on July 8 as probably the last active-duty servicemember to have participated in the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps Times reported.
His service to the country spanned 42 years and spread across 38 nations as Jarnevic, 59, transitioned from the Marines to a long tenure as a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces, a journey that started in the Watergate years and ends with the war on terrorism.
The holder of a master’s degree in creative writing and avid Montana conservationist watched as Chief Warrant Officer 5 Ralph E. Rigby, the last Vietnam draftee still on active duty, stepped down in November, and he told the publication he does believe he’s the last Vietnam vet still in uniform.
“I don’t know how you could actually prove it, but the onus would be to disprove it,” Jarnevic said.
The well-traveled warrior recalled learning of President Nixon’s 1974 resignation as he was leaving for time off from the war in Hong Kong, he said, noting that he thinks the scandal strengthened the Viet Cong’s resolve against their weakened enemy.
Later, his unit was preparing for an evacuation of Da Nang on the central coast, the site of a critical air base, when the hull of their super carrier, Ranger, cracked in October and they were called back to their home base in California, according to the Times. Otherwise, they probably would have played a role in America’s frantic exit from the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon in April 1975.
He later opted to try out to wear the Army’s green beret because he loves traveling and teaching, he told the military publication.
“I liked the mission,” Jarnevic said. “I liked working with foreigners and the whole idea of training them. I think I had always been naturally inclined to be a teacher.”
The dual nature of the Green Berets allowed him to teach history and military science at the University of Montana after attaining his master’s in the 90s. It also called for him to assist the Contras in Nicaragua against the Sandinistas during extensive anti-communist campaigns in Central America in the decade prior.
And when the U.S. embarked on Operation Desert Storm in 1991, he was there, too. Jarnevic remembers the moment on a joint U.S.-Egypt push into Kuwait when two men sprinted toward him shouting “Gas!” as “a moment of terror that will always stick out in my mind,” he told the Military Times.
Aided by full protective gear, he and the men survived the chemical attack without any symptoms.
Thirteen years later, Jarnevic fought off a forced retirement threat and re-enlisted for 11 more years, the Times reported. But he didn’t make his way overseas in America’s latest conflicts until his tour as an analyst with a special operations task force in Afghanistan in 2012. The seasoned soldier’s final mission saw him managing intelligence against the Islamic State during a 16-month stint at Florida’s MacDill Air Force Base, he told the publication.
But he’ll soon retire to his Montana home, where he’s been protecting the stunning western landscape with the Sierra Club and the Montana Wilderness Association for years. He plans to pen articles for environmental publications and visit more countries that he’s never seen — this time for pleasure, he told the Times.
“I want to go to nice places for a change,” Jarnevic said.
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As a military historian and enthusiast with a deep understanding of the subject matter, let's delve into the rich and varied experiences of Sgt. Maj. Michael Jarnevic, an individual whose military journey encapsulates the dynamic narrative of the United States over the past four decades.
Sgt. Maj. Jarnevic's service, spanning an impressive 42 years, is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his country. His story encapsulates the transformative periods in American history, commencing with his deployment to Vietnam in 1973, right after graduating from Marine Corps boot camp. This era marked the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, a pivotal moment that Sgt. Maj. Jarnevic believes had a profound impact on the resolve of the Viet Cong.
Transitioning from the Marines to a remarkable tenure as a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces, Jarnevic's journey reflects the evolving landscape of American military engagements. His experiences extend across 38 nations, highlighting the global scope of his service. Notably, his decision to try out for the Army's Green Beret was driven by a passion for teaching and a love for travel, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to the mission.
Jarnevic's academic pursuits, including earning a master's degree in creative writing, showcase a multifaceted individual. The dual nature of the Green Berets allowed him to not only serve on the front lines but also to teach history and military science at the University of Montana in the 90s. His involvement in anti-communist campaigns in Central America, particularly assisting the Contras in Nicaragua against the Sandinistas, underscores the varied challenges faced during this period.
The narrative takes us through pivotal moments in modern American history, including the Gulf War in 1991, where Jarnevic actively participated in Operation Desert Storm. His vivid recollection of a chemical attack during a joint U.S.-Egypt push into Kuwait underscores the intense experiences faced by military personnel.
Jarnevic's commitment to service is further evident in his decision to fight off a forced retirement threat, re-enlisting for an additional 11 years. His subsequent deployment to Afghanistan in 2012 as an analyst with a special operations task force reflects the adaptability and continued relevance of his skills.
As Sgt. Maj. Jarnevic approaches retirement, his dedication to environmental causes, as seen through his involvement with the Sierra Club and the Montana Wilderness Association, paints a picture of a well-rounded individual. His plans to contribute to environmental publications and explore new countries for pleasure after retirement highlight a desire for personal growth and exploration beyond the battlefield.
In conclusion, Sgt. Maj. Michael Jarnevic's story serves as a microcosm of America's military history, intertwining personal growth, global engagements, and a commitment to service. His diverse experiences underscore the complexities and evolution of the U.S. military landscape over the past four decades.
