Veterans to share stories at Frogs and Hogs event

Bob Spencer spent five years aboard a Navy aircraft carrier.
Bob Spencer spent five years aboard a Navy aircraft carrier.

MOKANE - Prodded by his experiences aboard an aircraft carrier, Bob Spencer knows the true value of military experience.

He said he and his fellow shipmates went into the U.S. Navy as boys and came out as men, never knowing along the way whether they would live or die.

"You're 19 years old," he said. "You never know if you're going home."

Even with this fear racing through his mind, Spencer said he gained comfort from those who fought alongside him.

"We take care of one another," he said.

Spencer and about 3,500 others served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, launched in 1960. Spencer said he served from 1959-63, putting many nautical miles on the carrier, including a trip around South America's Cape Horn and into frigid Antarctic waters. He also traveled to China, Russia and Japan.

During his journeys, Spencer recalled one frightful night when an unidentified object approached the carrier shortly after the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961.

"He was getting closer to our ship," Spencer said.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" Spencer recalled his naval ship asking the approaching object. There was no response, but the Kitty Hawk issued a warning: "Unless you identify yourself, we're going to start firing."

The approaching ship was Russian, and once identified, nothing came of the incident.

Spencer will be posted in Mokane on July 15-16 at 300 Broad St for the annual Frogs and Hogs event. "All veterans and all people are welcome to the event," Spencer said.

He has been a part of Frogs and Hogs since its inception.

The event is expected to draw a crowd of 2,000 people this year.

"It just keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger," Spencer said about the annual event.

Spencer's nephew, Billy Spencer, has also been a part of Frogs and Hogs since its inception.

"This is a great way for people to come out, have a good time and support our veterans," Billy Spencer said.

Not only will veterans partake in the two-day event, but there will also be food, vendors, music and a band from St. Louis. In addition, the event is expected to attract an upwards of 500 motorcycles.

The money raised will support veterans and the local community, organizers said.

Admission to Frogs and Hogs is free.