For each North Nation Honor Flight send-off ceremony, quick biographies are learn for every of the veterans touring on the flight. Flight leaders for every of the journeys journey to and interview the veterans on their experiences within the service, with the write-ups then organized and skim on the send-off occasions by North Nation Honor Flight Direct of Operations Janet Duprey. The write-ups are nostalgic, heartfelt and infrequently with a contact of humor.
Under are the biographies for the veterans who traveled on Flights 40 and 41 this previous weekend. North Nation Honor Flight takes space veterans on all-expense-paid flights to see the conflict memorials in Washington, D.C. For extra data, go to northcountryhonorflight.org or name director Barrie Finnegan at 518-569-7429.
FLIGHT 40
Kevin Burrell U.S. Army 1985-2007 Chilly Struggle Fight Veteran
As a member of the Fight Engineers, Kevin had a number of assignments together with Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. Kevin’s unit constructed many bridges whereas serving in harms method.
Kevin was submitting retirement papers when his unit obtained orders to enter fight. He had his orders pulled to serve together with his regiment. Kevin is most proud that his whole unit got here house with no casualties and solely three wounded veterans who obtained purple hearts.
Kevin earned many ribbons and decorations together with the Bronze Star as he accomplished a really distinguished 22-year Navy Service Profession.
Russell Cole U.S. Army 2008-2009 Afghanistan Fight Veteran
Russ obtained coaching at Fort Bragg, North Carolina the place he grew to become an 11 Bravo Infantryman serving with the twenty seventh Infantry Brigade. His unit served in Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Returning to america, Russ volunteered to work with a particular program, Group Primarily based Well being Care, to assist returning veterans obtain their much-deserved healthcare advantages. For 3 years, Russ additionally assisted his fellow veterans to regulate to society.
Along with his U.S. Army and Reserve service, Russ served our nation for 15 years.
Ronald Doshna U.S. Army 1968-1970 Vietnam Fight Veteran
Ron was assigned to the thirty fourth Engineer Battalion as a truck driver.
Ron and his twin brother Dennis had been able to go to Vietnam. On the time, brothers weren’t allowed to enter fight collectively. Ron went to a commanding officer, signed papers not permitting Dennis to go.
Ron went to Vietnam, his brother didn’t. However the subsequent day Dennis went to a different workplace and signed papers saying Ron couldn’t go.
Already in Vietnam, Ron was despatched to the airport to choose up new replacements. He loaded them on the truck, however one was lacking. He discovered a man sleeping together with his hat pulled over his head. Ron kicked him, advised him to get up. Sure, certainly, it was Dennis.
Leslie Fleury U.S. Navy 2003-Current Iraq Fight Veteran
Leslie is at the moment serving within the Navy Reserves as a Chief Hospital Corpsman.
She served a 10-month tour in Iraq with the Marines. Leslie’s scariest time was when rocket-propelled grenades got here into the compound space.
On guard responsibility, Leslie was making rounds at evening. Two guys had been spooning to maintain heat. In fact, Leslie made positive to inform everybody.
Robert Gagnon U.S. Marine Corp 1971-1973 Vietnam Fight Veteran
Bob skilled at Paris Island, South Carolina and Camp Lejune, North Carolina the place he skilled as a 0311 Rifleman. He continued coaching at Camp Pendleton, California.
Bob’s unit was despatched to Okinawa after which on to Vietnam the place he was assigned to the third Battalion, ninth Marines, 1st Marine Division at Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. The ninth Marines had been a closely adorned Unit.
Bob’s unit boarded a ship in 1973 and have become a part of Operation Frequent Wind.
Bob and his spouse Kathy of 41 years get pleasure from their quiet life in Owls Head.
Lawrence Hart U.S. Air Power 1984-2007 Chilly Struggle Fight Veteran
Larry had an MOS 275×0, Tactical Air Controller. With boots on the bottom, Larry known as in air assist and artillery. Larry had coaching in Aircrew, Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, and Public Well being Apprentice.
Once they had been within the dessert Larry stated a captain drove right into a pool of water and wanted to be pulled out. Marvel how the captain defined that one.
Raymond LaFlame U.S. Army 2001-2012 Fight Veteran
Ray, higher often known as Hyperlink, determined to check out the assorted navy branches. He began with the U.S. Navy Sea Bees and served within the Navy, Air Power and Army the place he was a truck driver.
Earlier than Homeland Safety was shaped, Hyperlink was stationed at Indian Level Nuclear Energy Plant in Westchester County. Hyperlink additionally went to floor zero throughout Hurricane Katrina on a Humanitarian Mission.
Hyperlink’s favourite second was strolling right into a recruiting station and falling in love with the sergeant, his beloved Kim Lathrop, who was recruiting for the Army.
Kim Lathrop U.S. Army 1992-2015 Fight Veteran
Kim joined the Army as a Medic with assignments at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Scofield Barracks, Hawaii, Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Drum, New York, Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington, and abroad at Camp Monteith, Kosovo and Firebase Hammer Iraq.
Kim loved bouncing round all types of terrain in an Army ambulance touring from website to website. She slid down a 100- foot gulch in Hawaii looking for some extent of contact -and a navigation level grabbing on vines on the best way down. Certain — A number of enjoyable.
Kim obtained many medals and citations for her 23 years of navy service to our nation.
Robert Lawrence U.S. Army 1984-2007 Iraq Fight Veteran
After primary coaching Robert went for added coaching as a Fight Engineer, seventeenth Engineer Battalion. Assigned to Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, Robert skilled as a surveyor.
After his enlistment, Robert joined the Army Reserves and accomplished coaching in loading helicopters and drill sergeant coaching.
Utilizing his in depth coaching, Robert went to Iraq and skilled Iraq Nationwide Troopers. Robert obtained many medals and citations for his service to our nation.
Basil Matthews U.S. Air Power U.S. Army 1972-1981 Vietnam Fight Veteran
Following primary coaching at Lackland Air Power Base, Texas, Basil served as a Safety Policeman. Matt’s favourite coaching was working with Okay-9s in Texas. He was stationed at many bases within the U.S. and around the globe.
Whereas in Thailand, Matt was concerned in Operation Bullet Ship and the bombing of North Vietnam as that conflict was ending.
Leaving the Army, Matt joined the New York State Police. He gained the Commander’s taking pictures award for marksmanship. A member of the Vermont Army Nationwide Guard, Matt was known as to serve in Kuwait and Iraq throughout Operation Iraq Freedom.
Matt retired from navy service and the State Troopers after devoted service to nation and neighborhood.
Douglas Mauran U.S. Army 1973-2007 Chilly Struggle Fight Veteran
Doug obtained coaching in Telecom Operator, Motor Transport Operator and Senior Teacher.
At evening in Iraq, the compound was floor attacked so helicopters had been known as in to repel the enemy. The troopers within the compound bunkers had been returning fireplace on the enemy.
Doug wished to look over the wire and bunkers so he stood up on concrete subsequent to him. Tracer rounds and rocket explosions lit up the realm. Doug seemed up and realized he was standing beneath the American Flag and considered the Star-Spangled Banner. At any time when he hears the Nationwide Anthem, he thinks of that second. That is patriotism.
Edward McMahon U.S. Army 1967-1969 Vietnam Fight Veteran
Ed was assigned to a brand new group of engineers known as the Airborne Fight Engineers. The First Corp operated within the space round Hue, Pleiku and DaNang, South Vietnam.
The unit was designed to enter areas that might solely be reached by helicopter. The heavy tools needed to be sufficiently small to be transported by Sky Cranes or big Chinook Helicopters into distant areas within the jungle. In addition they constructed camps for the Special Forces to occupy, gun pads, airstrips and defensive positions.
Ed is proud to be sharing at the present time in D. C. together with his Guardian granddaughter Honna.
Keith Mero U.S. Army 1972-1992 Fight Veteran
With the 2nd Fight Army Regiment, Keith realized if hassle began this group could be the primary to reply. Once they weren’t within the discipline, they elevated their coaching to be totally ready.
Keith was assigned to the Prisoner of Struggle Workforce working with Navy Personnel and Interrogators. As the primary in battle, the Workforce policed all foot troopers close to the tanks. In fixed contact with the commander, their mission was to seize the enemy. Some enemy troopers laid down their weapons and people who continued to battle misplaced their lives. The Workforce processed 2,000 enemies with a tragic casualty lack of one Workforce member.
Terry Peters U.S. Army Nationwide Guard 1974-1980 Fight Veteran
Terry was stationed with the third Brigade Fight Workforce at Fort Polk, Louisiana. As a member of the Army Nationwide Guard, Terry was within the 108th Infantry Unit.
Terry’s MOS (navy operational specialty) coaching offered logical progressive particular person abilities. Individuals are skilled and educated in abilities enabling them to contribute as environment friendly staff members.
David Rabideau U.S. Air Power 1977-1997 Fight Veteran
Dave was assigned to the Civil Engineering Squadron as a Utilities Techniques Craftsman for 8 years. For the subsequent 12 years, Dave served as a Tactical Plane Upkeep Craftsman. Along with his experience, Dave traveled all through the world performing his duties in 43 international locations. Dave spent a yr in Malaise assigned to the State Division in a top-secret responsibility task. He was chosen to participate within the Base Realignment and Closure Fee within the early 90s.
Dave was the final official active-duty personnel assigned to the Plattsburgh Air Power Base because it closed in 1995.
Roger Sayward U.S. Navy 1962-1966 Vietnam Fight Veteran
Roger served as an Onboard Engineering Steam Boiler Operator and Upkeep. On the assault touchdown ship LPD-2 USS Vancouver, Roger deployed with the seventh Fleet to Vietnam.
After leaving the Navy, Roger joined the New York Army Nationwide Guard serving 18 years. He participated within the Marksmanship Coaching Unit and the Rifle Workforce. Roger traveled all through america collaborating in quite a few competitors occasions to advance as a profitable Excessive Grasp Rifle Shooter; the very best award in aggressive rifle taking pictures.
Chris Tedford U.S. Marine Corp 1994-1998 Iraq Fight Veteran U.S. Air Power Vermont Nationwide Guard 2010-present
Chris served within the Infantry securing and evacuating civilians in Liberia, Central Republic of Africa, and humanitarian responsibility in Bosnia.
Chris skilled in Jungle Warfare in Panama; Rock Climbing, West Virginia; Mountain Warfare in Slavonia; and Helicopter Repelling at Camp Lejeune. Chris left the Marines for civilian life.
13 years later when his sister Meagan joined the Air Power, Chris determined to comply with her. As a Munitions Builder, Chris helped construct 828 bombs; all delivered on the right track.
Chris and Meagan serve within the Vermont Nationwide Guard. A household affair, Meagan masses the weapons her brother builds.
Harry Treadway U.S. Army 1967-1970 Vietnam Fight Veteran
Harry served as a Fight Engineer, 18th Engineer Brigade on two consecutive excursions. He was with II Corps, the biggest Command in Vietnam. Harry spent over 2 months within the Central Highlands and was concerned throughout the Tet Offensive.
Usually assigned to short-term responsibility (TDY), Harry lastly returned to base to study the Commanding Officer and Sergeant in Cost had modified. Harry had been marked AWOL.
Harry’s scariest second was flying on a C-130 to Pleiku. The co-pilot introduced the bottom was being shelled in order that they wouldn’t cease, however by reducing the rear ramp the troops might roll off and discover a bunker. Harry had second ideas about having signed up for a second tour.
For his valor, Harry was awarded a Silver Star in lieu of 5 Bronze Service Stars of which he has seven.
Gregory Lee U.S. Marine Corp 1968-1970 Vietnam Fight Veteran
Greg had primary coaching at Parris Island, Camp Lejune and jungle coaching at Camp Pendleton. Assigned to third Battalion, seventh Marines as a machine gunner with a 03-31 M-60 Machine Gun, Greg, one of many smallest guys, had the most important weapon.
Deployed in Quang Tri Province on patrol, Greg was within the bush when a Viet Cong stepped on his foot. A Marine behind Greg shot the enemy earlier than he might shoot Greg.
At Hill 41 on patrol Greg was wounded the primary time. He stated it was minor as shrapnel went into the again of his neck, he couldn’t flip his head and was Medevac’d to the hospital ship, Sanctuary. He spent two weeks there having fun with the recent meals.
Greg’s second wounding occurred when pleasant fireplace missed its goal and dropped a bomb near the Marines. Greg sustained shrapnel wounds in each legs, misplaced his listening to and his proper arm was amputated. When the Medivac helicopter arrived, Greg was wrapped in a flimsy fabric with a Velcro-type strap. The chopper dropped a sequence down and Greg was lifted straight up, not parallel. As Greg was spinning on the best way up, he was ‘ready to be shot’. Greg spent 13 months in numerous hospitals.
Greg was 17 years outdated when he obtained two purple hearts for his fight valor. Greg Lee is a Patriot and a real American hero.
FLIGHT 41
John Aldous U.S. Army 1967-1970 Vietnam
After primary coaching, John attended Counter Intelligence Agent Faculty in Maryland. In Vietnam in 1968, he was in a jeep accident and spent weeks in a hospital close to the South China Sea.
John was assigned to the Research and Commentary Group often known as SOG. This was a extremely labeled, multi service U.S. particular operations unit which carried out covert unconventional operations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. John participated in quite a few evening flights searching down Vietcong in helicopter gunships and B-52s going all through Vietnam to completely different outposts flying over quite a lot of floor.
Robert Boswell U.S. Air Power 1966-1992 Vietnam
In command of Plane Upkeep Gas Techniques, Bob stated the C-130 planes had gas tank fires. Bob pulled an airman, virtually useless from fumes, out of a tank. An engineer 1st Lt. Masterson and Bob went to Alaska to review gas tank fires. They eliminated the reticulated foam, utilizing a protractor the lieutenant decided pilots couldn’t take off at greater than a 17-degree altitude angle. Fires had been eradicated. Nice job accomplished, and lives saved.
Bob was stationed at 9 Air Power Bases all through the states and abroad. Plus three assignments at Plattsburgh Air Power Base the place he retired after 26 years of service to our Nation.
Philip Davis U.S. Marine Corp 1956-1958 Chilly Struggle
30 guys from Malone, the Adirondack Platoon, went to Albany to enlist. Phil’s buddy failed the take a look at and went house. In New York Metropolis, 400 recruits boarded a practice to Beaufort, South Carolina for primary coaching.
A Navy Policeman, Phil patrolled the perimeter of the Naval Weapons Station at Yorktown, Virginia. They might transport missiles onto barges that had been loaded onto ships. It took a day and a half for them to go down and again to Base.
On January 7, 1957, six inches of snow introduced every little thing to a standstill. Used to 4 toes of snow, Phil discovered it amusing town plowed the Base that had no plows.
Gerald Guardian U.S. Army 1966-1968 Vietnam
A Hawk Missile Launcher crewman, Jerry participated in launching a Hawk Missile at White Sands, New Mexico. He stated he’s by no means seen something transfer so rapidly getting two miles down vary.
Jerry spent most of his tour in Germany. Basic Westmoreland arrived subsequent door on the Nike Hercules Nuclear website. Troopers had been directed to have every little thing spotless ought to the overall cease in. They had been nervous, no passes given, and relieved the overall didn’t go to.
On Christmas Eve, Jerry determined to name house. At a practice station telephone sales space, the operator requested if he had a reserved line. He didn’t and was advised it takes 12 hours to get one.
No Christmas greetings to his household.
Eddie Gelineault U.S. Army Nationwide Guard 1966-1969 Vietnam
After primary coaching at Fort Dix, Eddie went on to Camp Johnson in Vermont and he was assigned to the 131st Engineer Firm.
In Vietnam, Eddie was stationed within the Central Highlands making roads that had been coated up by muck and dirt from a quarry subsequent to the bottom. A very good a part of working in a Development Battalion was having constructing supplies close by. Bridge ties made nice obstacles as they backfilled filth 4 toes deep making them impenetrable.
Warren ‘Pat’ Gordon U.S. Army 1955-1957 Korean
Pat was in Army Administration as an IBM Operator. He was stationed in scorching, scorching Japan. It was humid besides the place the IBM Collators, Interpreters and Reproducers had been. They’d an air conditioner.
Japan was nonetheless harmful. Pat stated they had been shot at, there have been kidnappings, and apparent anger about World Struggle II.
Seeing Hiroshima was traumatic. Ten years later there have been nonetheless bombs and numerous remnants; individuals with deformities had been very prevalent.
Pat says all individuals ought to go within the service.
Thomas ‘Dave’ Hornell U.S. Air Power 1963-1984 Vietnam
Dave joined the Canadian Army at age 17; At 19 he moved on to the Canadian Air Power and skilled for Floor Management Radar above the Artic Circle. He didn’t need THAT. Dave settled in with the U.S. Air Power the place he served 22 years.
In 1968 a Basic studying Dave was Canadian with the U.S. Air Power assigned Dave to the Army a hundred and first Airborne Division, Vietnam.
Returning to the Air Power, Dave went up the ranks to Climate Station Operations Supervisor offering climate assist to bases throughout the nation, the White Home, Camp David, Joint Chiefs and heads-of-state.
We knew Dave would deliver good climate for at present’s flight.
James King U.S. Army 1964-1966 Vietnam
Assigned to the seventh Infantry Division, Fight Engineers, Jim was amongst 2,500 troops for 2 weeks in tough waters heading to Korea. Jim, an electrician, went to Camp Casey, about 40 miles north of Seoul.
One scorching day, and despite Jim saying it was not a good suggestion, a lieutenant ordered Jim to close down a 60-Kilowatt generator. Quickly an upset main approached and advised Jim to restart the generator. The final was in the course of a briefing and NOT blissful. Again at base, the most important apologized for yelling at Jim and requested if there was something he might do for him. Rapidly, Jim stated ‘it’s laborious to put cable with an M-16’ and will he get a forty five pistol. Jim acquired the pistol; the lieutenant acquired the M-16.
Along with his 2 years of energetic responsibility service and 13 years of reserve responsibility, James served our nation for 15 years.
William Letourneau U.S. Army 1965-1971 Vietnam
Invoice was assigned to the 12820 Fight Engineer Battalion which performed a big position supporting U.S. and allied forces in Vietnam. They constructed bridges, roads, helicopter pads, buildings as giant as soccer fields to restore tanks.
Invoice stated they completed constructing a bridge and went again to the barracks. Two days in a row the Viet Cong blew up the bridges in a single day. The Inexperienced Berets had been known as in and the bridges remained constructed.
Invoice and buddies had been consuming lunch sitting on a financial institution. Invoice noticed one thing shiny, acknowledged a landmine as all of them backtracked to security. A C-4 airplane blew up the landmine. If he hadn’t observed the landmine, Invoice wouldn’t be with us at present. Glad you’re right here.
David Pickering U.S. Marine Corps. 1966-1968 Vietnam
After highschool commencement, Dave entered the Marine Corp. At 19 years outdated he was in Quang Thien, South Vietnam hooked up to the third Battalion, Fifth Marine Division. Dave was shot within the again throughout a Viet Cong ambush in a rice paddy. Two-thirds of the corporate had been killed together with one in every of his buddies who was standing 10 toes from him.
Dave was taken to a Vietnam hospital and the subsequent day flown to a hospital in Japan the place he was handled for his shoulder wound.
Dave an MOS 0311 Infantry Rifleman obtained a Purple Coronary heart and several other different medals in recognition of his battle wounds and bravado.
Dave has attended our ceremonies as an Honor Guard since we began, and we’re delighted to have him on this flight.
Dale Robart, Sr. U.S. Navy 1970-1976 Vietnam
Dale was on board the Destroyer USS Damato when he obtained the “Blue Nostril’ by crossing the Artic Circle. Carrying a jacket within the boiler room was a necessity.
At Guantanamo Dale stated there have been armed guards from each side. Dale stated nobody might go off base and Cuban assist lived on Base.
The Mediterranean cruise made all of it worthwhile.
Dale climbed up the Primary Mast of the ship to get a Commissioning pendent. The ship’s Commander stated “Should you’re dumb sufficient to go up there, you may hold it”.
Edward Robart, Jr. U.S. Navy 1968-1988 Vietnam
Ed served two years in Vietnam. He was then known as from Vietnam to Korea on an expeditionary drive.
On the united statesRanger, the sound of bullets hitting the deck from the M-16s was harassing. The Phantoms flew in and rapidly took care of the M-16s.
Ed sailed the world on seven ships: the united statesKitty Hawk, Halfway, Coral Sea, Saratoga, Ranger, Lexington, and Constellation. Ed obtained many medals and commendations for his 20 years of service to our nation.
George Silver U.S. Army 1960-1963 Vietnam
George was assigned to Firm “C” fifth Special Forces Group; and 1st Special Forces third Division. George skilled as a Special Forces Medical Technician. He additionally obtained coaching as a Bounce Certified Parachutist leaping out of a number of completely different planes and helicopters.
Throughout his tour in Vietnam, George was within the Tay Ninh Province near the Cambodian Border and close to the notorious Ho Chi Min Path.
Arriving at Fort Benning, George was assigned to the a hundred and first Airborne Particular Experimental Platoon. The French had developed a Wire Guided Missile System. George stated this system didn’t work nevertheless it was quite a lot of enjoyable.
Lynn Shepard U.S. Army 1968-1971 Vietnam
Lynn was assigned to 1st Subject Forces, seventh Battalion, thirteenth Army.
Throughout the TET Offensive, Lynn offered ammunitions and provides to the sphere battalions. Whereas on a munitions convoy, their unit was ambushed by the Viet Cong who tried to take out the radio command car, to interrupt communications and take management of necessary Army communications tools.
Lynn thought he was stung by a hornet, nevertheless it was a glass fragment that struck him when the car’s driver facet mirror was hit by enemy weapons fireplace.
George Tallman U.S. Air Power 1968-1988 Vietnam
George, an Environmental Medication Technician, started his navy profession as a meals inspector. He checked chemical substances on planes to guarantee there have been no communicable illnesses.
George had the consideration of flying on Air Power -1 with President Richard Nixon. George stated the worst nation he was assigned to was Turkey and the very best was Germany.
When George’s father died, his mom couldn’t elevate all their kids. 5 households saved him. A cocky teenager on the time, the navy took care of that. George is most happy with staying with the Air Power for 20 years. He retired from Plattsburgh Air Power Base with a number of medals and commendations from his 20 years of service to our nation.
