We are so thankful for the men and women who have served our country and defended our freedom!
In the leadup to Veterans Day, we asked veterans across Sagora communities to share their experiences with us, including the lessons they learned and their favorite memories from their time in the US Armed Forces. We’re so thankful for those who shared their experiences with us. Here are the stories from veterans at Lyndale Edmond Senior Living in Edmond, Oklahoma.
James S. served in the Air Force from 1950-1953, working as an Air Traffic Controller. He enjoyed the position and following his discharge, he pursued a career in aviation electronics.
Frances C. served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1962-1967 as an administrative officer. “It was the best time of my life,” she says.
Charlie C. served in the Navy from 1966-1970, working in communications stations in Panama and the Philippines. Prior to his service, he had never been outside of Oklahoma, so he enjoyed getting to know other cultures and lifestyles.
Bob B. served in the Navy from 1956-1962, working as an electrician on aircraft. “I learned the need to be punctual,” he says. Bob traveled to Japan, Hawaii and the Philippines as part of a Far East cruise.
Gordy B. served in the Air Force as a combat pilot and test pilot before working in the Pentagon and as a liaison to Congress. He even served on the National Security Council at the White House. “It shaped my views on the value of teamwork and laid the foundations of the moral codes of honesty, integrity and service before self,” he says. “The collegiality of military service is, and always will be, a bedrock attitude I try to transfer to the civilian population.
Mavis M. served as a Captain in the Nurse Corps while in the Air Force from 1969-1976. “It gave me a great deal of confidence,” she says. “I learned that I could do a lot of things that I did not know I could.”
Neal T. served in the Army from 1971-1973. He enjoyed the friendships he made with other people.
Lera C. served as a recruiter in the Army National Guard from 1972-1975. She enjoyed her service, especially when she was able to camp in the Black Forest. “Friendships and honesty are virtues to maintain,” she said.
Harold S. served in the Army from 1952-1954. He says that he met men that would become lifelong friends. “Every young man should serve at least two years,” he says. “They would then appreciate their country more.”
Burt J. served in the Air Force from 1960-1980 as a MP. He was taught discipline and organizational skills in his time serving our country. “I loved learning new things,” he says.
Kenneth S. served in the Air Force during the last year of the Korean War in the mid-1950s. He worked on aircraft radars, especially the F-86. He is proud to have served four years. “It helped to shape my life,” he says.
William J. served in the Army, working with long-range rockets. Being close to the potentially dangerous weapons taught him to “always carefully check what you do,” he says.
Paul C. served in the Air Force from 1964-1968, working as a computer operator in the logistics department. He says he loved serving his country and he would go on to make a career out of working on computers.
John S. served in the Army from 1951-1953, acting as a Wire Chief Staff Sergeant overseeing artillery communications. He served 17 months of combat duty during the Korean War, defending the 38th parallel. “Any obstacles can be overcome with the Spirit of the Lord to help you,” he says.
LaToya F. served in the Army from 2002-2011. While she says she had good and bad experiences, she said both served to make her a better person, with an improved worldview and sense of self. “I still get teared up thinking about the proud looks on my family’s face at graduation,” she says. “I couldn’t believe I did it and was as capable of accomplishing something so mentally and physically challenging. I felt immense pride, especially because I am the first female in my family to go military.”
Michael B. served in the Navy from 1964-1968, working in aviation. “It shaped my life very well,” he says. “Work hard, play hard – everything is good.”
Marlene B. served as an MP in the Navy from 2018-2022. She remembers watching the sun rise over the Philippine Sea, saying it’s one of her fondest memories. “It taught me to appreciate life and freedom,” she says.
John R. served in the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force from 1950-1956. He worked alongside US Air Force personnel on joint-duty assignments. His area of specialty was signals. “I learned how to build teamwork and get the job done,” he says.
Allen A. served in the Army from 1970-1973, working as a company clerk in the Army Security Agency. “I learned organizational skills and how to deal with a variety of people,” he says.
Darius M. served in the Air Force for 28 years, starting his career as an airman and eventually rising to the Chief of Propulsion for Headquarters. He supervised 179 airmen in that capacity, learning how to communicate while developing a deep sense of respect for others. While in London, he met the love of his life, and he had two daughters and a son. “Talk to God,” he says.
Lee M. served in the USAF from 1949-1971 as a Morse Code radio operator. He enjoyed traveling overseas. “I would do it again,” he says.