NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT 2022 COMMEMORATIVE GUIDE - A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PRESS-REPUBLICAN
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PRESS-REPUBLICAN NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT 2022 COMMEMORATIVE GUIDE
2 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT SATURDAY, NOV. 12, 2022
‘It is an honor...’
Finishing our most productive flight season, North Country Honor Flight chartered 8 planes: May 14 flights 36 and
37; June 18, flights 38 and 39; Sept. 3 flights 40 and 41; and Oct. 1 flights 42 and 43.
We continue to prioritize World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veterans. We were honored to have two World War
II veterans and 15 Korean War veterans on these flights. We had outstanding flight leaders on each plane who put
in hours of preparation prior to the flights assuring veterans were able to enjoy the day in Washington, D.C. visiting
their National Memorials.
Each veteran is accompanied by a guardian, most often a family member. Returning to the U.S. Oval at the end of
the day veterans say, “this is one of the best days of my life.”
As a Regional Hub of the National Honor Flight Network, North Country Honor Flight (NCHF) was founded in 2013.
Completing this flight season, we have taken 650 veterans on Honor Flight.
We are an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization relying on fundraising and donations from groups,
organizations, businesses, and individual citizens so Honor Flight can continue to take veterans to D.C. at no cost to
them. Donations can be sent to North Country Honor Flight, PO Box 2644, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 or donate on the
website nchonorflight.org.
We extend thanks to the law enforcement, motorcyclists and fire departments who escort veterans from home
to the U.S. Oval and lead the parades to and from the Oval and the hangar at Plattsburgh International Airport.
We also thank the Honor Guards and hundreds of spectators who attend the send-off ceremonies, line the parade
route, and return to greet the veterans home. And, of course, our amazing volunteers make Honor Flight a success.
It is an honor for flight leaders to document the veterans’ stories providing the opportunity to read each veteran’s
biography at the ceremony. We thank the Press-Republican for the opportunity to honor our veterans. When you
see a veteran, please thank him or her for their service
Barrie Finnegan COVER PHOTO: Blair brothers (from right) Chet, with a portrait of his late brother Myrle;
Executive Director Richard, with a portrait of his late brother Leon; Fred, with a portrait of his late brother
Janet L. Duprey Robert; and Larry, with a portrait of his late brother Gerald, walk together to board the bus
for their North Country Honor Flight on Oct. 1. All eight brothers, from the Cadyville/Saranac
Director of Operations area, served in the United States military. (BEN ROWE/PRESS-REPUBLICAN PHOTO)
SATURDAY, NOV. 11, 2022 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT 3
4 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT SATURDAY, NOV. 12, 2022
FLIGHT 36 FLIGHT 37
May 14, 2022 May 14, 2022
Robert Almeter William Fornecker
Gary Brown Stephen Foster
Michael Carpenter Philip Jackson
William Cosgrove Howard Kemp II
Nikolaos Eggink Earl George Larabee
Alan Hughes Michael McDonough
Duane King George Miller
Richard Knowles Robert Miller
Walter Kourofsky Robert Pelkey
James Layhee William Provost
George Maffey Robert Siskavich
Walter Martiny, Jr. William Siskavich
Louis Peryer Edwin Woodward
Edward Stansbury Frank Woodward III
FLIGHT 38 FLIGHT 39
June 18, 2022 June 18, 2022
Frederick Betters Patrick Augustus
Richard Darrah Ralph Cudworth
Walter Dubuque, Jr. Charles Donah
Kenneth Duffy Gary Lintner
Robert Gricoski Frank Madden
Ronald Hicks Dennis Mason, Sr.
Clinton Isham Marshall Maynard
James Labounty Robert Mooso
Charles Lashway Robert Neureuther
Robert Montour, Sr. Rudolph Pribis
Donald Paquette James Rogers III
Edward Rice, Jr. Vincent Ross
Edward Sampson Larry Scott
Allan Seymour Raymond Tousignant
SATURDAY, NOV. 11, 2022 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT 5
FLIGHT 40 FLIGHT 41
Sept. 3, 2022 Sept. 3, 2022
Kevin Burrell Douglas Mauran John Aldous
Russell Cole Edward McMahon Robert Boswell
Ronald Doshna Keith Mero Philip Davis
Leslie Fleury Terry Peters Gerald Parent
Robert Gagnon David Rabideau Eddie Gelineault
Lawrence Hart Roger Sayward Warren ‘Pat’ Gordon
Raymond LaFlame Chris Tedford Thomas ‘Dave’ Hornell
Kim Lathrop Harry Treadway James King
Robert Lawrence Gregory Lee William Letourneau
Basil Matthews David Pickering
Dale Robart, Sr.
Edward Robart, Jr.
George Silver
Lynn Shepard
George Tallman
FLIGHT 42 FLIGHT 43
Oct. 1, 2022 Oct. 1, 2022
Charles Boss, Jr. John Berkman
Henry Cummings Chester Blair
Gary Dickerson Frederick Blair
Kenneth Foster Larry Blair
Guy Grimard Richard Blair
Robert Helms Ronald Breyette
Chuck Moynam John Cauffman
Arnold Provost Royce Clark
Ronald Sickles Allan LaDuc
Francis Spendley Michael LaDuc
Thomas Sweeney Kevin Moriarity
Melvin ‘Buck’ Terry John Ross
Bruce Wallett Gerald Villeneuve
Robert Wallett Andrew West
Henry Wilson
6 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT SATURDAY, NOV. 12, 2022
VETERAN BIOGRAPHIES
For every North Country Honor Flight send-off ceremony, short biographies are read for each of the veterans traveling on the flight. Flight leaders for each of
the trips travel to and interview the veterans on their experiences in the service, with the write-ups then organized and read at the send-off events by North
Country Honor Flight Director of Operations Janet Duprey. The write-ups are nostalgic, heartfelt and often with a touch of humor.
Below are the biographies for the veterans who traveled this year. North Country Honor Flight takes area veterans on all-expense-paid flights to see the
war memorials in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit northcountryhonorflight.org or call director Barrie Finnegan at 518-569-7429.
When he had a long weekend, Mickey hitch- DUANE KING JAMES LAYHEE
FLIGHT 36 hiked home to be with his loving wife Debbie.
WILLIAM COSGROVE
U.S. MARINE CORPS | 1954-1974 | VIETNAM
With his father’s signature, Duane joined
U.S. MARINE CORPS | 1961-1964 | VIETNAM
Three months before high school gradua-
ROBERT ALMETER U.S. AIR FORCE | 1955-1977 | VIETNAM the Marines at 17 — first stop, Parris Island. tion, Jim and 5 friends joined the military. He
U.S. AIR FORCE | 1969-1973 | VIETNAM His military career took him through all wings remembers well going home to tell his mother!
Bill went to enlist in the Marines, but the
and ground forces of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Ma- Stepping off the bus at Parris Island for boot
At 14, Bob wanted to be a farmer until he only recruiter in Malone was Air Force. With
rine Divisions. camp was a wake-up call. After a hard time
was milking 180 cows a day. He left tradition- dual citizenship, Bill chose the U.S. Air Force
In logistics, Duane was in Okinawa and getting into the marines due to poor eyesight,
al classrooms at an early age, as he went on to over the Canadian Air Force.
Vietnam, aboard the USS Duluth and landings Jim became the second in his platoon in marks-
achieve degrees in science, chemistry and a After basic training at Sampson Air Force
on enemy soil. He was awarded the Presiden- manship. He was assigned as a fire-line coach
master’s degree in Philosophy. Base, Bill was assigned to security police. Find-
tial Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism and instructor in the weapons battalion and
At 20, Bob enlisted, went to Texas, and be- ing no civilian jobs available, Bill reenlisted in
in action against an armed enemy and several remained at Parris Island for his entire enlist-
came a member of the 823 RED HORSE Unit, security and law enforcement. He traveled the
other medals for ground or surface combat. ment.
the civilian engineering SWAT Teams of the globe. Stateside in Delaware, Texas, Arizona
Denied additional years in Hawaii, Duane Before leaving the Marines, Jim led 100% of
Air Force. Bob was assigned to Indochina, Ko- and Plattsburgh; also Guam, Japan, Germany,
retired after 20 years of service. his platoon to pass and qualify at the highest
rea and Vietnam. France and Belgium.
Please join me today in wishing Duane King performance level.
RED HORSE units are highly mobile, rapid- In France, Bill achieved the highest-level
a slightly belated birthday as he turned 86 on
ly deployable, civil engineering response forces national security to protect the Supreme Allied
Friday, May 13.
GEORGE MAFFEY
that perform heavy damage repair required for Commander at the European headquarters. U.S. NAVY | 1957-1959 | LEBANON CRISIS
recovery of Air Force facilities and utility sys- NIKOLAOS EGGINK RICHARD KNOWLES George attended Maritime College, earned
tems. U.S. AIR FORCE | 1954-1968 | KOREAN a degree in Marine Engineering, joined the
U.S. ARMY | 1961-1963 | VIETNAM
GARY BROWN Dick and his buddy Carl wanted out of high Navy and received a Coast Guard license.
Nik was born in Athens, Greece, moved to
U.S. ARMY | 1966-1968 | VIETNAM school and flipped a coin between Navy and Assigned to the USS Saratoga supercarrier,
the United States with his family and enlisted
Air Force. The Air Force won the toss. George supervised 150 service members, three
Drafted by the Army, Gary and four friends in the Army as a non-U.S. citizen. He served
He was assigned to Security Police at Samp- officers and was in charge of all ship equip-
left for Albany. His girlfriend, Sandra, agreed in the 39th Infantry stationed in Seattle and
son Air Force Base and, at Fort Carson, he ment. The ship produced its own oxygen and
to wait until he was out of the service to begin Berlin.
trained military dogs, illegally bringing Mr. nitrogen.
their many years of marriage. Nik trained in heavy and light weapons and
Pepper home with him. In Lebanon, nitrogen couldn’t keep up with
Stationed at Fort Knox, Ky.,14 inches of received a Marksman rifle M-14 badge. Much
Dick served a year in the Arctic Circle be- demand and the center unit of 7 one-ton air
snow shut the base down. North Country boy of his time was spent unloading supplies. He
fore spending 12 years at a new Strategic Air conditioning units shut down. Admiral Ander-
Gary had no issue going outside. But he hit an was also assigned to drive unmarked vehicles
Force Base, Plattsburgh with the 380th Secu- son approached saying: “Mr. Maffey, you are
icy patch falling on a metal grate. A hospital into areas to write down plate numbers of peo-
rity Police. That coin toss turning up Air Force personally responsible for the situation fail-
orderly told Gary not to look in a mirror as a ple coming and going.
came in handy as Dick, in Plattsburgh with a ure”. Guess you know where that AC unit was
team of doctors put 66 stiches in his face. The After returning from overseas, Nik trans-
red convertible, met and married his wife Ger- located – yes, George fixed it!
General picked him up, gave him clean clothes, ferred to the Army reserves.
aldine.
and took him home to supper. ALAN HUGHES WALTER MARTINY, JR.
Gary’s Army boots were so comfortable he WALTER KOUROFSKY U.S. NAVY & U.S. MARINE CORPS
wore them for 20 years.
U.S. ARMY | 1954-1956 | KOREA
U.S. ARMY | 1951-1953 | KOREA 1944-1946 | WORLD WAR II
After basic training, Alan joined the 69th
MICHAEL CARPENTER Wally was drafted, sent to basic training at In high school when Pearl Harbor was
Infantry Division. Assigned to Fort Lee, Va.,
U.S. NAVY | 1968-1974 | VIETNAM Camp Gordon, Ga., followed by a duty assign- bombed in 1941, Walter graduated on a Fri-
he worked in supplies and logistics.
ment in communications. At Radio School, he day; started college in March 1944. On his
Mickey left school early to help his family Working in a large warehouse, Alan provid-
trained in Morse code. 18th birthday, Walter joined the Navy. He
after his dad’s heart attack. ed everything from food, outfitting clothing
Destined for Washington, D.C., MPs put completed the Great Lakes Training Camp as
At 18, he enlisted in the Navy; expecting to and gear to equipment. Everyone was nice to
him on an Air Force bus. He was taken to a a highly trained electronics officer, a position
be a cook. His orders changed to gunner as- him as he had access to all the supplies from
beautiful home with a group of eight, a wait- considered in the top 3 to 5% of Navy Person-
signed to the carrier USS Boxer at Norfolk, iced tea to ice cream.
er and a maid. They were questioned in sever- nel. Aboard the USS New Jersey, Walter was
Va. Waves were 4 times the size of the ship as Most of Alan’s time was spent preparing
al different ways. After the eighth day he was headed for Okinawa.
they sailed to Panama, St. Thomas, the Virgin supplies for maneuvers for Captains to Gener-
transferred out and told he ‘flunked’ but never Walter was transferred to the Marines. The
Islands and Cuba. als. His role put him first in line, so he had the
knew why he was there or what he flunked. Japanese occupied Okinawa and the Marines
They trained daily locking and loading best of everything.
Leaving he was told “he was never there, never were preparing to drive them off the island.
countless bombs, sent up by elevator to be dis- Alan completed two years of college prior
saw this place”. As troops advanced, they found tunnel sys-
charged. On night watches, Mickey remem- to the military and was given early release to
Wally received several medals for his partici- tems connected to island Caves. Walter said the
bers the Marines being dropped on the Viet- complete his college degree.
pation in Korean War zone operations. Japanese were continuously shooting at them
nam coastline.
SATURDAY, NOV. 11, 2022 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT 7
until the Allied Forces finally forced the Japa- He didn’t like his initial Plattsburgh assign- ing Center for boot camp and continued train- MICHAEL MCDONOUGH
nese off Okinawa. ment with below zero time on the flight line. ing at Nuclear Power School. U.S. ARMY | 1966-1969 | VIETNAM
Providing ship to shore communications, Returning to finish his career, he made Platts- Phil served on the USS Joseph Kennedy De- Drafted out of college, Michael completed
Walter thought it was stupid to advertise where burgh his permanent home. stroyer and the USS Gato submarine. With basic training at Fort Dix. He then went to Fort
they were to enemy islands. 36 men on board the submarine, they slept in Brag for Advanced Infantry Training.
Admiral Tower, Fifth Fleet, wanted a com- shifts. Phil was regularly checked for radioac- Within a week of arriving in Vietnam, Mike
munications guy. Walter was assigned and ar-
rived in his Marine uniform. Admiral Tower
said ‘Get him in a Navy uniform’ so Walter had
FLIGHT 37 tive levels. The percentage of acceptable levels
was much different then than today. Fortu-
nately, Phil wasn’t claustrophobic as subma-
shot a family’s sacred cow. The Army made
him pay for the cow and the two bullets. He
also had to apologize to the family and bury the
to buy some new uniforms. rine missions could last 7 weeks. cow. Out of curiosity he returned to the site
After President Truman and the Japanese WILLIAM FORNECKER Phil is a 3rd generation Navy shipman, and and found that the cow had been dug up. No
Emperor negotiated a treaty, the soldiers of the U.S. AIR FORCE | 1968-1972 | VIETNAM his guardian son Schuyler is 4th generation. steaks for Mike!
Greatest Generation had won the battle and Quite a testament to Naval dedication. Michael spent one and half years in Viet-
An 18-year-old high school graduate, Bill
were going home. nam. There were 4 McDonoughs in his com-
What an honor to have World War II Veter-
expected he would soon receive a draft notice. HOWARD KEMP II
He went to a recruiting office in New York U.S. AIR FORCE 1966-1970 VIETNAM pany; he was the only one who made it home.
an Walter Martiny with us today. Let’s show While nearly 10,000 miles away from home,
City to learn about military options. He quick- ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 1985-1992
our appreciation. he met his neighbor.
ly ruled out the Marines and Army, being on
Howard trained at Limestone and Loring Air
LOUIS PERYER a Navy ship didn’t appeal to him so Air Force
Force bases, Maine, and McClellan Air Force GEORGE MILLER
U.S. MARINE CORPS was his choice.
On a flight overseas, Bill missed his birthday
Base, Sacramento. U.S. AIR FORCE | 1964-1968 | VIETNAM
1957-1959 | LEBANON CRISIS Howard was active in airborne early warn- Graduating from high school on Long Island
while adjusting for time zones. Bill volunteered
Lou joined the Marines at 20 and served in ing control systems. While long range radar without money to go to college, George enlist-
for helicopter gunner duty but instead he was
the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions as an infantry surveillance and control center were still used ed in the Air Force looking for an opportunity
assigned to load bombs.
rifleman. for defense; satellite systems were now actively to learn a trade that would serve him in life.
Stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Bill
Lou enjoyed being on ship in spite of 22-foot- being used. After basic training, George’s orders brought
collided with a car, met an attractive young
tall waves where the ship swayed so much they A radar operator, Howard flew missions on him a 22-month assignment at Plattsburgh
woman, married her and Kathy is his guardian
could put their hands in the water. Caught do- the borders of Thailand, Laos and coastal Japan Air Force Base where he met his wife, Susan.
today.
ing it once everyone was ordered off deck and providing him with combat and flight service. A Sergeant caused George to have a disabling
stayed in the hole for days. You wanted to be on STEPHEN FOSTER With the Army National Guard, Howard hand injury, so he worked in the auto hobby
the top bunk in case someone was sick. U.S. ARMY | 1966-1969 | VIETNAM went to France joining other NATO volunteers shop and was given a jeep to putt around in.
Lou spent 6 months in the Mediterranean Stephen completed basic training, and Ad- from Italian Mountain Infantry. George left for 18-months in Goose Bay, Lab-
during the Lebanon Crisis including time in vanced Individual Training of an additional rador, Newfoundland, and George’s final as-
foxholes. Not as pleasant as the ship, Lou spent
EARL GEORGE LARABEE
30-days training on Parris Island. Steve left U.S. ARMY | 1951-1953 | KOREAN signment was Castle Air Force Base, California.
up to 30 days in fox holes taking his footlocker Texas, went to Vietnam joining the 86th Main
with him and then back to the ship. George joined the Army to get away and ROBERT MILLER
Battalion Tanks.
He completed basic combat engineer train-
served with the 2nd Battalion, 505 Parachute U.S. AIR FORCE | 1958-1963 | VIETNAM
EDWARD STANSBURY Infantry Regiment and 82nd Airborne Divi-
ing and served as a carpenter building bar- A young airman, Bob was handed a hel-
U.S. AIR FORCE | 1959-1985 | VIETNAM sion. met, gun and flashlight and told no one is to
racks, showers, day rooms and churches.
Ed and his twin brother enlisted together but He volunteered for jump school. In the 4th enter without proper authorization. He asked,
Steve’s respect for fallen soldiers led him to
were separated after tech school. Ed served as week, they were to perform rolls, but George “Where are my bullets”? The answer: “You
work with the military and international Mar-
an aircraft maintenance supervisor for three couldn’t hear what the instructor was telling don’t get any”.
shall service to bring our fallen soldiers home.
years and fabrication superintendent for nearly him to do. The entire class was so bad, the As an Aircraft Engine Mechanic, Bob spent
For 60 years, Steve has traveled the globe to
23 years. instructor passed them on so they wouldn’t his military time at Plattsburgh Air Force Base
locate grave registrations and escort military
Ed flew across the globe; Panama (he’d hold up the other groups. After completing except for an 89-day TDY when he overhauled
soldiers home.
asked for Alaska), New Mexico, California, 12 jumps, George was released due to family engines while on alert with bombers and tank-
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Michigan PHILIP JACKSON hardship. ers. Ready to end his service, Bob was in-
(closing the base, he didn’t unpack), Virginia, U.S. NAVY | 1968-1971 | VIETNAM At age 87, George dreams of completing a formed he was extended 9 months due to the
Syracuse, England, Germany, and his first and To avoid the draft, Philip signed up for the jump in a C-47 in Normandy. Cuban missile crisis.
last assignment: 380th Bomb Wing at Platts- Navy. He arrived at Great Lakes Naval Train- As a civilian, Bob stayed at the Base for a to-
burgh Air Force Base.
Thank You for Your Service
Today and Every Day
We Are Grateful For
Your Service
23 Weed Street,
Plattsburgh 518-566-9950
Mon-Fri 10-5, www.americasmattress.com
wknds by apt.
8 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT SATURDAY, NOV. 12, 2022
tal of 34 ½ years. The Base Commander rec- At Carole’s high school graduation, Will Security greatly increased on base when was abandoned by his ‘battle buddy’. Waiting
ommended Bob for the highest medal awarded had quit school, his long hair was cut off, he’d General Curtis LeMay landed in a 56 bomber. an hour for a cobra helicopter to arrive, he was
to a civilian and invited Bob to join the Gener- joined the Marines. Bob thawed out from his time in Alaska with told to gather equipment and be ready to be
al’s staff at the Base closing ceremony. After boot camp, Will and Carole married a final assignment in Blytheville, Arkansas. quickly air lifted out. He doesn’t know what
and left for North Carolina. Carole went home happened with the other guy.
as Will was assigned to Okinawa for a year on
WILLIAM SISKAVICH In his new Class A uniform, going through
ROBERT PELKEY a ship off the coast of Vietnam. Designated U.S. ARMY | 1948-1952 | KOREAN the gate at Los Angeles Airport, human fluids
U.S. NAVY | 1968-1972 | VIETNAM Infantry Repair, most of his time was spent Bill and his buddy got drunk and they signed were thrown at him; he was called ‘baby kill-
To beat the draft and liking water Bob decid- guarding the ship. up for the Army. Plans to stick together ended er’.
ed to enlist in the Navy. At Great Lakes Train- On leave in Hong Kong, Will purchased a week after basic training as they were sent in For 50 years, Ed didn’t talk about Vietnam
ing Center, he signed up for Hospital Corps a ring which Carole still wears . She’d have different directions. and only shared his experiences with his family
training. matching earrings, but Will needed money for With the 568th Ordinance Heavy Mainte- in the past 5 years.
A recruiter told Bob being Hospital Corps- beer. Flying to California on a 90-seat C5, they nance Company, Bill was stationed in Germa-
man might send him to the Marines, but Bob got STUCK in Hawaii. There was beer in the ny and then was assigned to 9 months in Korea. FRANK WOODWARD III
wanted this field of work. Standing in line, soda machine. During his service in the Infantry, he spent U.S. MARINE CORPS | 1967-1971 | VIETNAM
others were directed to Fleet Marine, Camp Will’s brother and Carole greeted him home. time welding and training new recruits. Frank was one of 4 in his high school gradu-
Pendleton. Among his commendations, Bill received ating class to join the Marine Corps. His draft
Bob happily received orders for the USS
ROBERT SISKAVICH the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star, notice was received by his mother 3 days later.
WASP chasing Russian submarines. On ships U.S. AIR FORCE | 1954-1957 | KOREAN 3 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal Frank was an Infantry Squad Leader, and
for 3-6 months, Bob went on flight operations Bob’s high school principal convinced him and Good Conduct Medals. Yes, Bob and Bill Aircraft and Engine Mechanic. He served in
as a medic on helicopters. to join the National Guard, and he later joined are brothers. the 12th Airwing flying clean-up in combat.
He traveled through Europe and in 1970 the Air Force. Basic training was at Sampson He also flew as a volunteer door gunner for the
Air Force Base and then on to McGuire Air
EDWIN WOODWARD Army.
went to the Artic Circle receiving the honorary
blue nose. Bob said they DO paint the noses Force Base in New Jersey. U.S. ARMY | 1970-1972 | VIETNAM Frank’s assignments took him through all
blue and he continues to wear his Blue Nose Bob was assigned to Anchorage, Alaska After boot camp, Ed was sent to Vietnam, areas of Vietnam including Khe Sanh and Chu
Patch. where he spent 2 years and 1 day – it was a leap where he spent 365 days, 4 hours and 15 min- Lai Combat areas.
year. He experienced minus 57-degree tem- utes. For his meritorious service in Vietnam,
WILLIAM PROVOST peratures with icy fog. On special assignment in the combat zone Frank was awarded several service medals.
U.S. MARINE CORPS | 1971-1973 | VIETNAM where napalm bombing was taking place, Ed
FLIGHT 38 ARMY NATIONAL GUARD | 1962-1999
Walter began as a Rifleman serving active
duty at the Non-Commissioned Officers Lead-
FREDERICK BETTERS ership School. He then joined the 2nd Marine
Division, Fleet Marine Force.
U.S. ARMY | 1968-1969 | VIETNAM Leaving the Marines, Walter enlisted in the
Frederick was assigned to the Military Po- Vermont Army National Guard. Taking ex-
lice, 148th MP Company, 5th U.S. Army in tensive medical training, Walter served as an
Fort Carson, Colorado. Army Medic. His training and skills provid-
Fred’s military career included time with ed Walter the knowledge to save the life of a
the infantry, and he completed his service as soldier who had consumed a controlled sub-
a medic. stance. With Army Criminal Investigation Di-
Fred was deployed to Vietnam below the vision and Military Police, Walter assisted in
Demilitarized Zone where he was wounded the investigation, the arrest and securing of the
during an ambush. contraband.
STEAK & SEAFOOD For his heroic service Frederick was award-
ed the Purple Heart and The Silver Star which KENNETH DUFFY
THE BUTCHER BLOCK is the United States third highest award given U.S. NAVY | 1963-1967 | VIETNAM
exclusively for combat valor. Ken enlisted, completed basic training, and
RICHARD DARRAH was sent to Vietnam. Aboard the USS Can-
proudly supports U.S. ARMY | 1966-1972 | VIETNAM beera CAG-2, a Guided Missile Cruiser, Ken
served three tours of duty as the ship cruised
Rick was assigned to Cambodia with the the coastal waters.
the Honor Flight Program & 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry as a Field Wireman, When the U.S. Navy’s Ground Radar units
worked in telecommunications and as a radio were knocked out by Vietcong, the Canbeera
THANKS ALL OUR VETERANS operator. was called upon to provide all the Radar for Air
Stationed along the border, their position Defense. The ship was shelled while in the Gulf
was attacked. Ground forces used choppers of Tonkin and they also traveled to the Philip-
for their service! to defend their position. U.S. forces deployed pines.
‘Bee-Hive” rounds, defensive weapons firing Leaving the Navy, Ken took a lovely young
small projectiles into the jungle at close range. lady Sandy to dinner, and they are still happily
At Quan Tri, Vietnam Rick could see the married 54 years later.
high-altitude bombers performing raids.
Rick recalls the rat bites and centipede stings ROBERT GRICOSKI
– not pleasant memories. U.S. AIR FORCE | 1958-1978 | VIETNAM
WALTER DUBUQUE, JR. Bob was a Combat Defense Security Police-
man who traveled throughout the world. He
U.S. MARINE CORPS | 1956-1962 | VIETNAM
SATURDAY, NOV. 11, 2022 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT 9
was stationed in Plattsburgh, Rome, NY, Berg- instructor teaching firefighting and crash res- he was allowed to live off the military station. safe storage and testing the fuels near the De-
strom Texas, Loring, Maine, Kingdom of Lib- cue. During his tour he was placed in an air- He hung out among the Buddhist Monks who militarized Zone.
ya, coast of Tripoli for 18 months, Korea and craft ejection seat, sky-rocketed upward, pow- readily accepted him. He enjoyed their bon- The Jet-fuels were vital to the F4B Phan-
Vietnam. ered by a 5mm cannon shell, abruptly stopping fires and fresh cooked corn. tom Aircraft missions which provided close air
For service members overseas Mail Call at the end of the ride. support for the US Forces. The fuels powered
is often their only connection to family back Charles and his Marine brother got together
ALLAN SEYMOUR the ‘Deuce” 6x6 vehicles, jeeps, and armored
home. While in Vietnam, Bob and his wife for much-needed Rest & Recuperation in Oki- U.S. MARINE CORPS | 1966-1968 | VIETNAM vehicles.
were 3 months without receiving any mail or nawa. A proud family of U.S. Marines. With a group of Plattsburgh buddies, Al-
communication between them. Morale was lan joined the Marines. After basic training, GARY LINTNER
low.
ROBERT MONTOUR, SR. he was designated a Vehicle Operator, Motor U.S. ARMY | 1959-1962 | VIETNAM
After 20 years of service, Bob retired from U.S. ARMY | 1951-1953 | KOREAN Transport and volunteered for Vietnam. Stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines,
the 380th Bombardment Wing, Supply Squad- An iron worker in New York City, Robert, Instead, he was assigned to a Navy ship, and Gary was a High-Speed Intercept Operator in
ron, Plattsburgh Air Force Base. a Canadian citizen, was denied by the U.S. a Mediterranean Cruise to Turkey, Greece, It- voice and Morse Code. He worked in a cinder
Navy, so he enlisted in the U.S. Army and im- aly, Sicily, France, Spain, Portugal. block building in the middle of a 15-acre an-
RONALD HICKS mediately went to boot camp. Allan said the Mediterranean area was beau- tenna field. The unit grew from 75 to over 250
U.S. MARINE CORPS | 1960-1964 | VIETNAM Robert liked cooking and after 3 volunteer tiful country and people. In Italy he saw Pope intercept operators. Under the direction of the
Assigned to 1st Landing Support Company, requests he boarded the USS Howze and was a John Paul II. He then spent 4-months in the National Security Agency, they forwarded in-
2nd Service Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, cook in Korea. Caribbean. tercepts to Hawaii and the United States.
Ron was a ‘Shore Partyman’ whose duties in- Because Robert was Canadian, the American Allan’s time in the Marine Corps allowed On a time-off visit, Gary discovered Ab-
cluded unloading ammunition, equipment, Red Cross denied him assistance when his fa- him to see the world, something he could not original people who were topless, wearing loin
food, and other supplies off beaches to support ther was seriously ill. He went home and back have afforded to do as a civilian. cloths and considered to be headhunters. Al-
amphibious landings. to Korea on his own. Allan said Marines stick together and ‘pro- ways up for a challenge, flying on a military
Ron traveled extensively including Japan; Robert’s memories of Korea: meeting sing- tect your brother’. aircraft, Gary was sitting on a crate, didn’t
France; Spain; Greece; Philippines. In Sardin- er Eddie Fisher ; eating in the Officers’ Mess know what was in it, and didn’t want to ask!
ia, France a young lieutenant ordered 10 Ma- Hall; the fish smell in Pusan city.
FRANK MADDEN
rines to push a beached landing craft into the
water. A Marine commandeered a bulldozer
and pushed the 10-ton vessel off the beach.
DONALD PAQUETTE
U.S. AIR FORCE | 1963-1988 | VIETNAM
FLIGHT 39 U.S. AIR FORCE | 1949-1953 | KOREAN
Frank joined the 5th Air Force, 6132d For-
Quick thinking! Don was drafted and deployed to Vietnam. PATRICK AUGUSTUS ward Air Control radar squadron assigned to
He was trained as a Medic, later earning his U.S. ARMY | 1970-1973 | VIETNAM Pusan, South Korea.
CLINTON ISHAM degree as a Physician’s Assistant. In Vietnam After enlistment Pat went to Vietnam as a Trained as an Operations Intelligence Tech-
U.S. AIR FORCE | 1968-1988 | VIETNAM Don was the non-commissioned officer in Teletype and Morse Code Operator. Serving nician, Frank set up FAC ground radar unit in
In Vietnam, Clint, an Aircraft Mechanic charge of a surgical ward. with the Army’s 101st Air Cavalry, Pat was Pyongyang, North Korea. As Chinese forces
Crew Chief, worked on the C-123-K airplane As a new Physician Assistant, Don correct- stationed with the 175th Radio Research Field advanced southward, Frank quickly evacuated
at night as freight was loaded prior to power- ly diagnosed a patient with a spleen injury re- Station in Saigon. to Taegu setting up radar locations from hilltop
ing up the aircraft as the plane’s crew arrived. quiring immediate surgery to repair a posterior Pat was on duty on the Base when a Vietcong to hilltop throughout Korea.
One night 2 boxes of lobster tails appeared. A tear. motor attack took place. He said the exploding One night Frank was walking in the dark to
lieutenant took one and a friend gave Clint the Don was stationed in the Philippines and at mortar rounds were a noise forever embedded the latrine. Due to the darkness, he didn’t see
other. Nice feast! An angry Colonel couldn’t 11 bases. He estimates he served over 100,000 in every soldier’s brain. a newly dug trench and landed at the bottom
find his case, so they chipped in to get his lob- men, women and children during his 25 years Following his Vietnam tour, Pat enlisted in of a six-foot deep hole. He climbed out, and in
ster tails. of service to our Country. the U.S. Navy Reserves, Seabees, for 17 years. daylight realized local laborers had begun to dig
After 5 years on alert in Alaska Clint arrived He later returned to the U.S. Army from 1992- a new latrine.
at Plattsburgh. An officer asked Clint to go on
EDWARD RICE, JR. 2000. Quite a testament of career changes!
alert for 2 weeks. After 3-1/2 years on alert U.S. NAVY | 1967-1969 | VIETNAM DENNIS MASON, SR.
duty, he’d had enough alert and retired from Drafted at the age of 19, Ed enlisted in the RALPH CUDWORTH U.S. NAVY | 1967-1971 | VIETNAM
Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Navy and was assigned to the Navy Sea-Bees. U.S. ARMY | 1968-1970 | VIETNAM Dennis trained in Electronic Fire Control
Ed was deployed to Okinawa and later to Quan Ralph was deployed to Vietnam as an Infan- Systems. He was assigned aboard the Aircraft
JAMES LABOUNTY Tri, Vietnam. Upon landing at the base near tryman assigned to B Company, 5th Battalion, Carriers USS Constellation CVA64, and the
U.S. MARINE CORPS | 1965-1969 | VIETNAM the Demilitarized Zone, they were attacked by 10th Infantry. He was stationed near Saigon USS Forestall CVA59.
Deployed to Vietnam, Jim was assigned to long range artillery. for a year. The Navy provided Dennis with opportuni-
3rd Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 4th Ma- Ed was part of a thousand-man advance Ralph was wounded in the line of duty and ties to cruise in the Mediterranean off the coast
rines. He was stationed 2 miles from the De- force responsible for building, plumbing, and hospitalized with his injuries. For his valor, of Greece, Japan, Hongkong, Philippines and
militarized Zone where the Battle of Con Thien concrete work. He was also assigned to stop Ralph received the Purple Heart. for 9 months in the waters around Vietnam.
took place during the year-long Tet Offensive. enemy river traffic in the pitch-black darkness Back home his parents placed an article in Dennis witnessed an onboard crash off the
Jim recalls being shelled daily with Vietcong of night. the newspaper requesting people to write to flight deck. A pilot was ejected from his air-
rockets and large artillery. Ed gave candy to the children from his C-ra- Ralph as he recovered overseas. One particu- craft and fortunately had a safe recovery.
Once Vietnamese rockets and artillery hit tions. The kids told Ed ‘if the streets are empty, lar person began a pen-pal relationship. Upon Dennis has fond memories of Rest & Recu-
the ammunition dump killing about 100 men. you must hide because the Vietcong are close’. Ralph’s return from his tour, he met his pen- peration time in Hawaii.
The Dump burned for 4 days shaking the pal, Diane, and they have been happily mar-
ground as ordinances burned and exploded.
EDWARD SAMPSON ried for 51 years.
MARSHALL MAYNARD
newsman Dan Rather was at Con Thien and U.S. ARMY | 1970-1973 | VIETNAM U.S. ARMY | 1952-1954 | KOREAN
broadcast live footage across the world. Ed received training as a Morse Interceptor CHARLES DONAH Trained as a Medic, Marshall was assigned to
and Radio Intelligence Operator. He was as- U.S. MARINES | 1965-1967 | VIETNAM the 309th Field Hospital, Vassincourt, France.
CHARLES LASHWAY signed to the Army Security Agency, 7th Radio Charles enlisted and was deployed to Viet- Although set up to treat wounded veterans
U.S. MARINE CORPS | 1968-1971 | VIETNAM Search Field Station, Udorn, Thailand. nam. He was assigned to the elite 32nd Ma- from Korea, it was never used for that purpose.
An Aircraft Fire Rescue man, Charles was Ed served 12 months in the mountains of rine Aircraft Group, 2nd Division, Marine Air The Field Hospital was always kept ready with
ordered to Vietnam but was diverted to Oki- Thailand intercepting enemy messages and Wing. As a bulk fuels man and laboratory tes- daily maintenance and upkeep.
nawa assigned to a Helicopter Support Group. communications. ter, Charles was responsible for pumping fuels Linen service was supplied by a local French
Completing his training, Charles became an Ed had a unique living accommodation as 2 and1/2 miles to the Marine unit, assuring village. It came to light the linen was be-
10 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT SATURDAY, NOV. 12, 2022
ing shorted on its return. Marshall, fluent maintained aircraft coming and going into For decades spies had written their encoded LARRY SCOTT
in French, was sent to stem the pilferage of Vietnam. Too often casket laden aircraft land- messages in groups of 5 letters. Jim’s assign- U.S. AIR FORCE | 1964-1968 | VIETNAM
sheets. A bottle of wine sealed the deal. ed on their way stateside. ment was to send encrypted radio messages Assigned to Vietnam, Larry, a Telephone
Marshall toured throughout France enjoy- Assigned to Reese Air Force Base, Texas Bob using 5 letter code groups to prevent classified Switch Equipment, Repair and Installation
ing local bars and stores, visiting Paris and the worked on Cessna T-37 and T-38 pilot train- information from falling into enemy hands He ‘essential worker’, flew as “Priority Two”.
Louvre Museum of Art. ing aircraft. used an encryption technique that could not be Throughout Vietnam, he installed and main-
His family enjoyed Texas, but their last stop cracked. tained telephone equipment; replacing old,
ROBERT MOOSO was Plattsburgh Air Force Base which Bob and Jim and his co-workers liked to prank new
U.S. ARMY RESERVES | 1970-1990 | VIETNAM outdated equipment. In Da Nang, installers
Carole call home. arrivals into thinking they were going on spe- competed to achieve the impossible taking only
At the Army Redstone Arsenal, Alabama cial missions and parachuting into action to
RUDOLPH PRIBIS two weeks to install an all-new switchboard
Bob was trained as an Ammunition Specialist achieve their mission.
U.S. AIR FORCE | 1964-1968 | VIETNAM system; a job that should have taken months.
and Magazine Keeper. He was then assigned
VINCENT ROSS Larry is proud of time spent working on an
to the 309th Ordinance Company, Elizabeth- Rudy was an Aircraft Maintenance Spe-
U.S. ARMY | 1950-1953 | KOREAN orphanage, and he still carries photos of the
town. cialist with expertise on board the C-141 Star
Vietnamese children in his wallet.
Bob’s units were responsible for the han- Lifter Aircraft. Rudy’s flights took him along The Korean War was proclaimed on June 25,
A civilian, 35 years later, Larry pulled the
dling and storage of live ammunitions ranging the Equator, and he flew out of Air Bases in 1950, and the next day Vincent and his best
plug shutting down the Plattsburgh Air Force
from small 9-millimeter handgun rounds to California, Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, India, friend Sully enlisted.
Base Communications as the base closed.
tank and artillery munitions. Spain., and major military base Tan Son Nhut, Vincent was an Infantryman. In 1953 he was
While Bob enjoyed the versatility of the Re- Vietnam where Army, Air Force, Navy and shot by a Chinese sniper who was hiding in a RAYMOND TOUSIGNANT
serves, he was away on training exercises on Marine units were stationed. The C-141s were treetop. Vincent was evacuated to a hospital in U.S. ARMY | 1960-1964 | VIETNAM
the day of his wedding anniversary every year, used to transport combat troops, vehicles, Japan. Ray was drafted and assigned to the 12th Cavalry,
except one out of 20 years. Good thing Phyliss, paratroopers and sadly hundreds of aluminum The location of the bullet was deemed inop- 5th Army. He was deployed to Korea as an Inter-
his wife and guardian today, is understanding. coffins in and out of Vietnam. erable, and it’s still in his spine. This ended his mediate Speed Radio Operator. Ray said he never
Rudy watched inexperienced, white-knuck- military service, but Vincent was awarded the saw a radio and instead operated telephone switch
ROBERT NEUREUTHER led pilots, dripping in sweat, attempt ‘touch Purple Heart for his valor.
U.S. AIR FORCE | 1960-1980 | VIETNAM boards for 13 months just outside of Osan, Korea.
and go landings’ alongside experienced senior Through many life challenges – broken hip, Ray was next assigned as a driver for the
Bob was trained in Automated Flight Con- officer cancer, inoperable bullet — at 92 Vincent Commander of the 2nd Engineering Battalion.
trols and Instrument Systems. He specialized meets each day with a beautiful, positive atti-
JAMES ROGERS III In addition, he was the driver for the Chaplain
on several aircraft types: B-52 Flying Fortress; tude.
U.S. ARMY | 1951-1953 | KOREAN and became the Chaplain’s Assistant for his re-
C-130 Hercules; KC-135 in-flight refueling
maining 10 months.
aircraft; swing-wing F-111 Bomber. Jim was assigned to the Army Signal Corps
Leaving Korea, Ray was separated from the
In a remote area of the Philippines, Bob stationed in Korea as a Cryptographer.
Army at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Open for Worship!
ST. JOSEPH’S & SACRED HEART
WEST CHAZY CHAZY
CALL 518-493-4521
FOR WEEKDAY & WEEKEND
MASS TIMES
106 Boynton Ave, Plattsburgh
(518)561-5050
lakechamplainpools.comSATURDAY, NOV. 11, 2022 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT 11
Ron was assigned to the 34th Engineer Bat- Larry had an MOS 275x0, Tactical Air Con- ing with K-9s in Texas. He was stationed at
FLIGHT 40 talion as a truck driver.
Ron and his twin brother Dennis were ready
to go to Vietnam. At the time, brothers were
troller. With boots on the ground, Larry called
in air support and artillery. Larry had training
in Aircrew, Aerospace Medical Service Crafts-
many bases in the U.S. and around the world.
While in Thailand, Matt was involved in Op-
eration Bullet Ship and the bombing of North
NOTE: All of the veterans aboard Flight 40 are not allowed to go into combat together. Ron man, and Public Health Apprentice. Vietnam as that war was ending.
members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle went to a commanding officer, signed papers When they were in the dessert Larry said a Leaving the Army, Matt joined the New
Association, which provides motorcycle escorts not allowing Dennis to go. captain drove into a pool of water and needed York State Police. He won the Commander’s
for the veterans on their way to the flight line Ron went to Vietnam, his brother didn’t. to be pulled out. Wonder how the captain ex- shooting award for marksmanship. A member
of Plattsburgh International Airport. But the next day Dennis went to another office plained that one. of the Vermont Army National Guard, Matt
and signed papers saying Ron could not go. was called to serve in Kuwait and Iraq during
KEVIN BURRELL Already in Vietnam, Ron was sent to the air-
RAYMOND LAFLAME Operation Iraq Freedom.
U.S. ARMY | 1985-2007 port to pick up new replacements. He loaded U.S. ARMY | 2001-2012 Matt retired from military service and the
COLD WAR COMBAT VETERAN them on the truck, but one was missing. He COMBAT VETERAN State Troopers after dedicated service to coun-
As a member of the Combat Engineers, found a guy sleeping with his hat pulled over Ray, better known as Link, decided to try try and community.
Kevin had several assignments including Bos- his head. Ron kicked him, told him to wake up. out the various military branches. He started
with the U.S. Navy Sea Bees and served in the
DOUGLAS MAURAN
nia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. Kevin’s Yes, indeed, it was Dennis.
unit constructed many bridges while serving in Navy, Air Force and Army where he was a U.S. ARMY | 1973-2007
LESLIE FLEURY truck driver. COLD WAR COMBAT VETERAN
harms way.
Kevin was submitting retirement papers
U.S. NAVY | 2003-PRESENT Before Homeland Security was formed, Link Doug received training in Telecom Oper-
when his unit received orders to go into com- IRAQ COMBAT VETERAN was stationed at Indian Point Nuclear Power ator, Motor Transport Operator and Senior
bat. He had his orders pulled to serve with his Leslie is currently serving in the Navy Re- Plant in Westchester County. Link also went Instructor.
regiment. Kevin is most proud that his entire serves as a Chief Hospital Corpsman. to ground zero during Hurricane Katrina on a At night in Iraq, the compound was ground
unit came home with no casualties and only She served a 10-month tour in Iraq with Humanitarian Mission. attacked so helicopters were called in to repel
three wounded veterans who received purple the Marines. Leslie’s scariest time was when Link’s favorite moment was walking into a the enemy. The soldiers in the compound bun-
hearts. rocket-propelled grenades came into the com- recruiting station and falling in love with the kers were returning fire at the enemy.
Kevin earned many ribbons and decorations pound area. sergeant, his beloved Kim Lathrop, who was Doug wanted to look over the wire and bun-
including the Bronze Star as he completed a On guard duty, Leslie was making rounds at recruiting for the Army. kers so he stood up on concrete next to him.
very distinguished 22-year Military Service night. Two guys were spooning to keep warm. Tracer rounds and rocket explosions lit up
Of course, Leslie made sure to tell everyone.
KIM LATHROP the area. Doug looked up and realized he was
Career.
U.S. ARMY | 1992-2015 standing under the American Flag and thought
RUSSELL COLE ROBERT GAGNON COMBAT VETERAN of the Star-Spangled Banner. Whenever he
U.S. ARMY | 2008-2009 U.S. MARINE CORP | 1971-1973 Kim joined the Army as a Medic with as- hears the National Anthem, he thinks of that
AFGHANISTAN COMBAT VETERAN VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN signments at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sco- moment. This is patriotism.
Russ received training at Fort Bragg, North Bob trained at Paris Island, South Caroli- field Barracks, Hawaii, Fort Hood, Texas, Fort
na and Camp Lejune, North Carolina where Drum, New York, Joint Base Lewis McCord,
EDWARD MCMAHON
Carolina where he became an 11 Bravo Infan-
tryman serving with the 27th Infantry Brigade. he trained as a 0311 Rifleman. He continued Washington, and overseas at Camp Monteith, U.S. ARMY | 1967-1969
His unit served in Afghanistan as part of Op- training at Camp Pendleton, California. Kosovo and Firebase Hammer Iraq. VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN
eration Enduring Freedom. Returning to the Bob’s unit was sent to Okinawa and then on Kim enjoyed bouncing around all sorts of Ed was assigned to a new group of engineers
United States, Russ volunteered to work with to Vietnam where he was assigned to the 3rd terrain in an Army ambulance traveling from called the Airborne Combat Engineers. The
a special program, Community Based Health Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st Marine Division site to site. She slid down a 100- foot gulch in First Corp operated in the area around Hue,
Care, to help returning veterans receive their at Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. The 9th Marines Hawaii trying to find a point of contact -and a Pleiku and DaNang, South Vietnam.
much-deserved healthcare benefits. For three were a heavily decorated Unit. navigation point grabbing on vines on the way The unit was designed to go into areas that
years, Russ also assisted his fellow veterans to Bob’s unit boarded a ship in 1973 and be- down. Sure — Lots of fun. could only be reached by helicopter. The heavy
adjust to society. came part of Operation Frequent Wind. Kim received many medals and citations for equipment had to be small enough to be trans-
With his U.S. Army and Reserve service, Bob and his wife Kathy of 41 years enjoy her 23 years of military service to our country. ported by Sky Cranes or giant Chinook Heli-
Russ served our country for 15 years. their quiet life in Owls Head. copters into remote areas in the jungle. They
ROBERT LAWRENCE also built camps for the Special Forces to occu-
RONALD DOSHNA LAWRENCE HART U.S. ARMY | 1984-2007 py, gun pads, airstrips and defensive positions.
U.S. ARMY | 1968-1970 U.S. AIR FORCE | 1984-2007 IRAQ COMBAT VETERAN Ed is proud to be sharing this day in D. C.
VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN COLD WAR COMBAT VETERAN After basic training Robert went for ad- with his Guardian granddaughter Honna.
ditional training as a Combat Engineer, 17th
Engineer Battalion. Assigned to Fort Leonard-
KEITH MERO
wood, Missouri, Robert trained as a surveyor. U.S. ARMY | 1972-1992
After his enlistment, Robert joined the Army COMBAT VETERAN
Reserves and completed training in loading he- With the 2nd Combat Army Regiment,
FIRSTVIEW
licopters and drill sergeant training. Keith realized if trouble started this group
Using his extensive training, Robert went to would be the first to respond. When they were
Iraq and trained Iraq National Soldiers. Robert not in the field, they increased their training to
E Y E C A R E A S S O C I AT E S received many medals and citations for his ser- be fully prepared.
vice to our country. Keith was assigned to the Prisoner of War
Team working with Military Personnel and
Charles W. Paepke, OD, FAAO | Brett M. Paepke, OD | Caitrin E. Herdic, OD BASIL MATTHEWS Interrogators. As the first in battle, the Team
U.S. AIR FORCE, U.S. ARMY | 1972-1981 policed all foot soldiers near the tanks. In con-
202 West Bay Plaza • Plattsburgh, NY 12901 VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN stant contact with the commander, their mis-
Phone 518.563.5460 • Fax 888.244.5003 • www.firstvieweyecare.com Following basic training at Lackland Air sion was to capture the enemy. Some enemy
Force Base, Texas, Basil served as a Security soldiers laid down their weapons and those
Policeman. Matt’s favorite training was work- who continued to fight lost their lives. The12 NORTH COUNTRY HONOR FLIGHT SATURDAY, NOV. 12, 2022
Team processed 2,000 enemies with a sad ca-
sualty loss of one Team member.
the Air Force, Chris decided to follow her. As
a Munitions Builder, Chris helped build 828
bombs; all delivered on target.
FLIGHT 41 the Nike Hercules Nuclear site. Soldiers were
directed to have everything spotless should the
general stop in. They were nervous, no passes
Chris and Meagan serve in the Vermont Na- JOHN ALDOUS given, and relieved the general didn’t visit.
TERRY PETERS tional Guard. A family affair, Meagan loads the On Christmas Eve, Jerry decided to call
U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD | 1974-1980 U.S. ARMY | 1967-1970 | VIETNAM
weapons her brother builds. home. At a train station phone booth, the op-
COMBAT VETERAN After basic training, John attended Count- erator asked if he had a reserved line. He did
HARRY TREADWAY er Intelligence Agent School in Maryland. In not and was told it takes 12 hours to get one.
Terry was stationed with the 3rd Brigade
Combat Team at Fort Polk, Louisiana. As a
U.S. ARMY | 1967-1970 | VIETNAM Vietnam in 1968, he was in a jeep accident and No Christmas greetings to his family.
COMBAT VETERAN spent weeks in a hospital near the South China
member of the Army National Guard, Terry EDDIE GELINEAULT
was in the 108th Infantry Unit. Harry served as a Combat Engineer, 18th Sea.
Terry’s MOS (military operational specialty) Engineer Brigade on two consecutive tours. John was assigned to the Studies and Obser- U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD | 1966-1969
He was with II Corps, the largest Command vation Group known as SOG. This was a highly VIETNAM
training provided logical progressive individual
skills. Participants are trained and educated in in Vietnam. Harry spent over 2 months in the classified, multi service U.S. special operations After basic training at Fort Dix, Eddie went
skills enabling them to contribute as efficient Central Highlands and was involved during the unit which conducted covert unconventional on to Camp Johnson in Vermont and he was
Tet Offensive. operations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. assigned to the 131st Engineer Company.
team members.
Often assigned to temporary duty (TDY), John participated in numerous night flights In Vietnam, Eddie was stationed in the Cen-
DAVID RABIDEAU Harry finally returned to base to learn the hunting down Vietcong in helicopter gunships tral Highlands making roads that were covered
U.S. AIR FORCE | 1977-1997 Commanding Officer and Sergeant in Charge and B-52s going throughout Vietnam to differ- up by muck and mud from a quarry next to the
COMBAT VETERAN had changed. Harry had been marked AWOL. ent outposts flying over a lot of ground. base. A good part of working in a Construc-
Dave was assigned to the Civil Engineering Harry’s scariest moment was flying on a ROBERT BOSWELL tion Battalion was having building materials
Squadron as a Utilities Systems Craftsman for C-130 to Pleiku. The co-pilot announced the U.S. AIR FORCE | 1966-1992 | VIETNAM nearby. Bridge ties made great barriers as they
8 years. For the next 12 years, Dave served as base was being shelled so they wouldn’t stop, backfilled dirt four feet deep making them im-
In charge of Aircraft Maintenance Fuel Sys-
a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman. but by lowering the rear ramp the troops could penetrable.
tems, Bob said the C-130 planes had fuel tank
With his expertise, Dave traveled throughout roll off and find a bunker. Harry had second
thoughts about having signed up for a second
fires. Bob pulled an airman, almost dead from WARREN ‘PAT’ GORDON
the world performing his duties in 43 coun- fumes, out of a tank. An engineer 1st Lt. Mas-
tries. Dave spent a year in Malaise assigned to tour. U.S. ARMY | 1955-1957 | KOREAN
terson and Bob went to Alaska to study fuel Pat was in Army Administration as an IBM
the State Department in a top-secret duty as- For his valor, Harry was awarded a Silver
tank fires. They removed the reticulated foam, Operator. He was stationed in hot, hot Japan.
signment. He was selected to take part in the Star in lieu of 5 Bronze Service Stars of which
using a protractor the lieutenant determined It was humid except where the IBM Collators,
Base Realignment and Closure Commission in he has seven.
pilots could not take off at more than a 17-de- Interpreters and Reproducers were. They had
the early 90s. GREGORY LEE gree altitude angle. Fires were eliminated. an air conditioner.
Dave was the last official active-duty person- Great job done, and lives saved.
nel assigned to the Plattsburgh Air Force Base
U.S. MARINE CORP | 1968-1970 | VIETNAM Japan was still dangerous. Pat said they were
COMBAT VETERAN Bob was stationed at nine Air Force Bases shot at, there were kidnappings, and obvious
as it closed in 1995. throughout the states and overseas. Plus three anger about World War II.
Greg had basic training at Parris Island,
ROGER SAYWARD assignments at Plattsburgh Air Force Base Seeing Hiroshima was traumatic. Ten years
Camp Lejune and jungle training at Camp
U.S. NAVY 1962-1966 | VIETNAM where he retired after 26 years of service to our later there were still bombs and various rem-
Pendleton. Assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Ma-
COMBAT VETERAN Country. nants; people with deformities were very prev-
rines as a machine gunner with a 03-31 M-60
Roger served as an Onboard Engineering Machine Gun, Greg, one of the smallest guys, PHILIP DAVIS alent.
Steam Boiler Operator and Maintenance. On had the biggest weapon. U.S. MARINE CORP | 1956-1958 | COLD WAR Pat says all people should go in the service.
the assault landing ship LPD-2 USS Vancou- Deployed in Quang Tri Province on patrol, 30 guys from Malone, the Adirondack Pla- THOMAS ‘DAVE’ HORNELL
ver, Roger deployed with the 7th Fleet to Viet- Greg was in the bush when a Viet Cong stepped toon, went to Albany to enlist. Phil’s buddy
on his foot. A Marine behind Greg shot the en- failed the test and went home. In New York
U.S. AIR FORCE | 1963-1984 | VIETNAM
nam.
emy before he could shoot Greg. Dave joined the Canadian Army at age 17; At
After leaving the Navy, Roger joined the City, 400 recruits boarded a train to Beaufort, 19 he moved on to the Canadian Air Force and
New York Army National Guard serving 18 At Hill 41 on patrol Greg was wounded the South Carolina for basic training.
years. He participated in the Marksmanship first time. He said it was minor as shrapnel trained for Ground Control Radar above the
A Military Policeman, Phil patrolled the pe-
Training Unit and the Rifle Team. Roger trav- went into the back of his neck, he couldn’t rimeter of the Naval Weapons Station at York- Artic Circle. He didn’t want THAT. Dave set-
eled throughout the United States taking part turn his head and was Medevac’d to the hospi- town, Virginia. They would transport missiles tled in with the U.S. Air Force where he served
in numerous competition events to advance tal ship, Sanctuary. He spent two weeks there onto barges that were loaded onto ships. It took 22 years.
enjoying the hot food. In 1968 a General learning Dave was Cana-
as a successful High Master Rifle Shooter; the a day and a half for them to go down and back dian with the U.S. Air Force assigned Dave to
highest award in competitive rifle shooting. Greg’s second wounding occurred when to Base.
friendly fire missed its target and dropped a the Army 101st Airborne Division, Vietnam.
CHRIS TEDFORD On January 7, 1957, six inches of snow Returning to the Air Force, Dave went up
bomb close to the Marines. Greg sustained brought everything to a standstill. Used to four
U.S. MARINE CORP | 1994-1998 | IRAQ shrapnel wounds in both legs, lost his hearing feet of snow, Phil found it amusing the city the ranks to Weather Station Operations Su-
COMBAT VETERAN and his right arm was amputated. When the plowed the Base that had no plows. pervisor providing weather support to bases
U.S. AIR FORCE | VERMONT NATIONAL GUARD Medivac helicopter arrived, Greg was wrapped across the country, the White House, Camp
in a flimsy cloth with a Velcro-type strap. The GERALD PARENT David, Joint Chiefs and heads-of-state.
2010-PRESENT We knew Dave would bring good weather
Chris served in the Infantry securing and chopper dropped a chain down and Greg was VETERAN GUARDIAN FOR PHILIP DAVIS
lifted straight up, not parallel. As Greg was for today’s flight.
evacuating civilians in Liberia, Central Repub- U.S. ARMY | 1966-1968 | VIETNAM
lic of Africa, and humanitarian duty in Bosnia. spinning on the way up, he was ‘waiting to be A Hawk Missile Launcher crewman, Jerry JAMES KING
Chris trained in Jungle Warfare in Pana- shot’. Greg spent 13 months in various hospi- participated in launching a Hawk Missile at U.S. ARMY | 1964-1966 | VIETNAM
ma; Rock Climbing, West Virginia; Mountain tals. White Sands, New Mexico. He said he’s nev- Assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, Com-
Warfare in Slavonia; and Helicopter Repelling Greg was 17 years old when he received two er seen anything move so quickly getting two bat Engineers, Jim was among 2,500 troops for
at Camp Lejeune. Chris left the Marines for ci- purple hearts for his combat valor. Greg Lee is miles down range. two weeks in rough waters heading to Korea.
vilian life. a Patriot and a true American hero. Jerry spent most of his tour in Germany. Jim, an electrician, went to Camp Casey, about
13 years later when his sister Meagan joined General Westmoreland arrived next door at 40 miles north of Seoul.You can also read
