Veterans Day was Nov. 11, 2020, and we are honored to recognize the veterans in our Darlington family. Throughout the month of November, we are highlighting our veterans in several blogs and on social media. We hope you follow along all month and help us honor all of our veterans.
Today’s blog features experiences from alumni who graduated in the 1960s: Part 2.
Mike Barron Sr. (’64) served in the United States Marine Corp from 1968-1975 and attained the rank of Captain. He shared, “The Marine Corp gave me organizational skills, direction and the confidence to attain my personal goals.” Mike and his wife, Patti (’68T), are the parents of three Darlington alumni: Betsy (’95), Mike (’98), and George (’01).
Steve Poulsen (’64) served in the United States Army as a Sergeant from January 1970 - Jan 1973.
Fount May (’64) served in the United States Army from 1969-1972. He served in Vietnam as a 1st Lieutenant. He flew helicopters with the 48th and 62nd Assault Helicopter Companies (part of the 11th Combat Aviation Group). Their area of operations was I Corps from south of Chu Lai, north to Dong Ha (DMZ), and west to the border with Laos. Fount received the Combat Air Medal, Commendation Medal and a Purple Heart.
Jerry Owen ('64) served in the United States Navy from August 1968 - July 1974. Jerry shared, “I was proud to serve the Navy as a Nuclear Weapons Technician.”
George Ragsdale Dodge (’64) served in the United States Navy from 1968-1969. He was stationed aboard the USS Wainwright in the Gulf of Tonkin during Vietnam and was a 2nd Class Petty Officer.
Terry Honan (’64) served as a Captain in the United States Army Reserves - Corps of Engineers from 1969-1977.
Bob Doster (’65) served in the United States Army as a Sergeant from November 1968 to June 1972. Bob shared about his time of service, “I spent the entire tour keeping the lower 48 safe from Polar bears. Translation: ‘I was sent to Alaska and stayed my entire tour.’”
David Hunter (’65) served in the United States Army from 1966-1969. He was an Artillery and Ordinance Sergeant (E-5) during Vietnam.
Stephen Wiseman (’67) served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman First Class from 1970-1974 and inactive reserves 1974-1980. He spent the majority of his time in Quantico at the Naval Hospital. He was an operating room technician and worked closely with Navy surgeons. Stephen shared, “I served during the Vietnam War. Although this was not a popular war, I felt it was my patriotic duty to serve. It was an honor and humbling to serve my country.”
Dave Pesterfield (‘68) served in the United States Air Force as a lieutenant colonel from 1972-1994. Dave said, “I was presented with huge responsibilities as a 22-year-old that I would never have seen in any other profession.”
If you are a veteran and haven’t had the opportunity to share your story and pictures with us, please email alumni@darlingtonschool.org.
