Captain Peter S. Swanson always looked at the bright side of things and found humor in everything around him. But if he is to be remembered for anything, it was for his love of the Navy, the enlisted men and women who serve in it, and his family’s dedication to the sea service and its community.
“He was a huge advocate of caring for Sailors and their families,” said his daughter Carrie Edwards.
In 1954, Lt. Swanson returned to his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy, to teach math. He was already a Naval Aviator, who survived Korean War deployments where he twice ditched his AD-1 “Skyraider” in Wonsan Harbor after being a target of North Korean anti-aircraft guns. Newly married, he and his wife DeEtte began their “Navy” family. Kathleen Swanson arrived first, followed by Carrie then Peter. Throughout his career, his family followed him from one duty station to another. They “saw” the world as Navy recruiters promised. But they also saw more than just beaches and attractions in tourist pamphlets.
“Our father and mother would take us around to where the enlisted men and their families lived. There was a great disparity between the officers and enlisted housing, living conditions and pay. I think this disparity and the way society was treating the military during and after the Vietnam War really touched my father and mother,” said Carrie.
“We will not forget how the Society’s programs really touched him and my mom because they provided assistance where no other assistance existed.”
—Carrie Edwards
According to Carrie, she thinks this is why her father had such an affinity for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. If the Society’s aims did not prioritize taking care of Sailors and their families, then he would find one that would.
“I know the NMCRS mission really touched him. He and my mother contributed to the Society regularly and he made sure we were aware. As we grew older and had families of our own, he made donations to NMCRS in our names as birthday and holiday gifts, “said Carrie.
Capt. Swanson and DeEtte continued their love for the Navy in their “Golden Years” as they traveled to Europe, the Caribbean, and enjoyed family time at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Seattle WA, and Shenandoah National Park. Sadly, DeEtte died in 2015.
Before Capt. Swanson died last year, he left his children one last request in his will. It was no coincidence it was written on their mother’s birthday. As part of their inheritance, he asked that “each of you donate in the vicinity of $34,000 to my favorite charity, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, to make a total of $100,000. Donate it in the name of Capt. Peter S. and DeEtte B. Swanson Family. Include that I was a member of the USNA Class of 1949.”
On Dec. 12, 2023, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society received checks from Kathleen, Carrie and Peter as their father requested. It was also no coincidence that the checks were dated on Capt. Swanson’s birthday.
“This family legacy is something we intend to carry on. It is something we’ve grown up with and we are raising our families with the same sense of community service and giving back,” said Carrie.
The Swanson family $100,000 donation, along with numerous other donations they have made throughout the years, provides NMCRS the ability to deliver programs and services that assist active duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their families in financial need.
“We will not forget how the Society’s programs really touched him and my mom because they provided assistance where no other assistance existed,” said Carrie.