September 3, 2022 – North Country Honor Flight #40 Biographies
Thank you to Janet Duprey, Honor Flight Director of Programs, for compiling and providing these biographies.
Kevin Burrell
U.S. Army 1985-2007 Cold War Combat Veteran
As a member of the Combat Engineers, Kevin had several assignments including Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. Kevin’s Unit constructed many bridges while serving in harm’s way.
Kevin was submitting retirement papers when his Unit received orders to go into combat. He had his orders pulled to serve with his regiment. Kevin is most proud his entire unit came home with no casualties and only three wounded veterans who received purple hearts.
Kevin earned many ribbons and decorations, including the Bronze Star, as he completed a very distinguished 22-year Military Service Career.
Russell Cole
U.S. Army 2008-2009 Afghanistan Combat Veteran
Russ received training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he became an 11 Bravo Infantryman serving with the 27th Infantry Brigade. His Unit served in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Returning to the United States, Russ volunteered to work with a special program, Community Based Health Care, to help returning veterans receive their much-deserved healthcare benefits. For three years, Russ also assisted his fellow veterans in adjusting to society.
With his U.S. Army and Reserve service, Russ served our Country for 15 years.
Ronald Doshna
U.S. Army 1968-1970 Vietnam Combat Veteran
Ron was assigned to the 34th Engineer Battalion as a truck driver.
Ron and his twin brother Dennis were ready to go to Vietnam. At the time, brothers were not allowed to go into combat together. Ron went to a commanding officer, signed papers not allowing Dennis to go.
Ron went to Vietnam, his brother didn’t. But the next day, Dennis went to another office and signed papers saying Ron could not go.
Already in Vietnam, Ron was sent to the airport to pick up new replacements. He loaded them on the truck, but one was missing. He found a guy sleeping with his hat pulled over his head. Ron kicked him, told him to wake up. Yes, indeed, it was Dennis!
Leslie Fleury
U.S. Navy 2003-Present Iraq Combat Veteran
Leslie is currently serving in the Navy Reserves as a Chief Hospital Corpsman.
She served a 10-month tour in Iraq with the Marines. Leslie’s scariest time was Rocket Propelled Grenades coming into the compound area.
On Guard Duty Leslie was making rounds at night. Two guys were spooning to keep warm. Of course, Leslie made sure to tell everyone!
Robert Gagnon
U.S. Marine Corp 1971-1973 Vietnam Combat Veteran
Bob trained at Paris Island, South Carolina and Camp Lejune, North Carolina, where he trained as a 0311 Rifleman. He continued training at Camp Pendleton, California.
Bob’s unit was sent to Okinawa and then to Vietnam, where he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. The 9th Marines were a heavily decorated Unit.
Bob’s unit boarded a ship in 1973 and became part of Operation Frequent Wind.
Bob and his wife Kathy of 41 years, enjoy their quiet life in Owls Head.
Lawrence Hart
U.S. Air Force 1984-2007 Cold War Combat Veteran
Larry had an MOS 275×0, Tactical Air Controller. With boots on the ground, Larry called in air support and artillery. Larry had training in Aircrew, Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, and Public Health Apprentice.
When they were in the desert, Larry said a Captain drove into a pool of water and needed to be pulled out. Wonder how the Captain explained that one!
Raymond LaFlame
U.S. Army 2001-2012 Combat Veteran
Ray, better known as Link, decided to try out the various military branches. He started with the U.S. Navy Sea Bees and served in the Navy, Air Force and Army, where he was a truck driver.
Before Homeland Security was formed, Link was stationed at Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in Westchester County. Link also went to ground zero during Hurricane Katrina on a Humanitarian Mission.
Link’s favorite moment was walking into a recruiting station and falling in love with the Sergeant, his beloved Kim Lathrop, who was recruiting for the Army.
A name you just heard: Kim Lathrop
U.S. Army 1992-2015 Combat 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 overseas at Camp Monteith, Kosovo and Firebase Hammer Iraq.
Kim enjoyed bouncing around all sorts of terrain in an Army ambulance traveling from site to site. She slid down a 100- foot gulch in Hawaii, trying to find a point of contact -and a navigation point grabbing on vines on the way down. Sure – Lots of fun!
Kim received many medals and citations for her 23 years of Military Service to our Country.
Robert Lawrence
U.S. Army 1984-2007 Iraq Combat Veteran
After basic training, Robert went for additional training as a Combat Engineer, 17th Engineer Battalion. Assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Robert trained as a surveyor.
After his enlistment, Robert joined the Army Reserves and completed training in loading helicopters and drill sergeant training.
Using his extensive training, Robert went to Iraq and trained Iraq National Soldiers. Robert received many medals and citations for his service to our Country.
Basil Matthews
U.S. Air Force U.S. Army 1972-1981 Vietnam Combat Veteran
Following basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Basil served as a Security Policeman. Matt’s favorite training was working with K-9s in Texas. He was stationed at many bases in the U.S. and around the world.
While in Thailand, Matt was involved in Operation Bullet Ship and the bombing of North Vietnam as that war was ending.
Leaving the Army, Matt joined the New York State Police. He won the Commander’s Shooting award for marksmanship. A member of the Vermont Army National Guard, Matt was called to serve in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Matt retired from military service and the State Troopers after dedicated service to country and community.
Douglas Mauran
U.S. Army 1973-2007 Cold War Combat Veteran
Doug received training in Telecom Operator, Motor Transport Operator and Senior Instructor.
At night in Iraq, the compound was ground-attacked, so helicopters were called in to repel the enemy. The soldiers in the compound bunkers were returning fire at the enemy.
Doug wanted to look over the wire and bunkers, so he stood on the concrete next to him. Tracer rounds and rocket explosions lit up the area. Doug looked up and realized he was standing under the American Flag and thought of the Star-Spangled Banner. Whenever he hears the National Anthem, he thinks of that moment. This is Patriotism.
Edward McMahon
U.S. Army 1967-1969 Vietnam Combat Veteran
Ed was assigned to a new group of engineers called the Airborne Combat Engineers. The First Corp operated around Hue, Pleiku and DaNang, South Vietnam.
The unit was designed to go into areas that could only be reached by helicopter. The heavy equipment had to be small enough to be transported by Sky Cranes or giant Chinook Helicopters into remote areas in the jungle. They also built camps for the Special Forces to occupy, gun pads, airstrips and defensive positions.
Ed is proud to share this day in D. C. with his Guardian granddaughter Honna.
Keith Mero
U.S. Army 1972-1992 Combat Veteran
With the 2nd Combat Army Regiment, Keith realized if trouble started, this group would be the first to respond. When they were not in the field, they increased their training to be fully prepared.
Keith was assigned to the Prisoner of War Team working with Military Personnel and Interrogators. As the first in battle, the Team policed all foot soldiers near the tanks. In constant contact with the Commander, their mission was to capture the enemy. Some enemy soldiers laid down their weapons and those who continued to fight lost their lives. The Team processed 2,000 enemies with a sad casualty loss of one Team member.
Terry Peters
U.S. Army National Guard 1974-1980 Combat Veteran
Terry was stationed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Polk. Louisiana. As a member of the Army National Guard, Terry was in the 108th Infantry Unit.
Terry’s MOS (military operational specialty) training provided logical progressive individual skills. Participants are trained and educated in skills enabling them to contribute as efficient team members.
David Rabideau
U.S. Air Force 1977-1997 Combat Veteran
Dave was assigned to the Civil Engineering Squadron as a Utilities Systems Craftsman for 8 years. For the next 12 years, Dave served as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman. With his expertise, Dave traveled throughout the world, performing his duties in 43 countries. Dave spent a year in Malaise assigned to the State Department in a top-secret duty assignment. He was selected to take part in the Brack Commission for base closures in the early 90s.
Dave was the last official active-duty personnel assigned to the Plattsburgh Air Force Base as it closed in 1995.
Roger Sayward
U.S. Navy 1962-1966 Vietnam Combat Veteran
Roger served as an Onboard Engineering Steam Boiler Operator and Maintenance. On the assault landing ship LPD-2 USS Vancouver, Roger deployed with the 7th Fleet to Vietnam.
After leaving the Navy, Roger joined the New York Army National Guard serving 18 years. He participated in the Marksmanship Training Unit and the Rifle Team. Roger traveled throughout the United States taking part in numerous competitions to advance as a successful High Master Rifle Shooter, the highest award in competitive rifle shooting.
Chris Tedford
U.S. Marine Corp 1994-1998 Iraq Combat Veteran
U.S. Air Force Vermont National Guard 2010-present
Chris served in the Infantry, securing and evacuating civilians in Liberia, Central Republic of Africa, and humanitarian duty in Bosnia.
Chris trained 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.
Thirteen years later, when his sister Meagan joined the Air Force, Chris decided to follow her. As a Munitions Builder, Chris helped build 828 bombs, all delivered on target.
Chris and Meagan serve in the Vermont National Guard. A family affair, Meagan loads the weapons her brother builds.
Harry Treadway
U.S. Army 1967-1970 Vietnam Combat Veteran
Harry served as a Combat Engineer, 18th Engineer Brigade on two consecutive tours. He was with II Corps, the largest Command in Vietnam. Harry spent over two months in the Central Highlands and was involved during the Tet Offensive.
Often assigned to temporary duty (TDY), Harry finally returned to base to learn the Commanding Officer and Sergeant in Charge had changed. Harry had been marked AWOL.
Harry’s scariest moment was flying on a C-130 to Pleiku. The co-pilot announced the base was being shelled so they wouldn’t stop but by lowering the rear ramp, the troops could roll off and find a bunker. Harry had second thoughts about having signed up for a 2nd 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 Combat Veteran
Greg had basic training at Parris Island, Camp Lejune and jungle training at Camp Pendleton. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines as a machine gunner with a 03-31 M-60 Machine Gun, Greg, one of the smallest guys, had the biggest weapon.
Deployed in Quang Tri Province on patrol, Greg was in the bush when a Viet Cong stepped on his foot. A Marine behind Greg shot the enemy before he could shoot Greg.
At Hill 41 on patrol, Greg was wounded the first time. He said it was minor as shrapnel went into the back of his neck, he couldn’t turn his head and was Medevac’d to the hospital ship, Sanctuary. He spent two weeks there enjoying the hot food.
Greg’s second wounding occurred when friendly fire missed its target and dropped a bomb close to the Marines. Greg sustained shrapnel wounds in both legs, lost his hearing and his right arm was amputated. When the Medivac helicopter arrived, Greg was wrapped in a flimsy cloth with a Velcro-type strap. The chopper dropped a chain down and Greg was lifted straight up, not parallel. As Greg was spinning on the way up, he was ‘waiting to be shot.’ Greg spent 13 months in various hospitals.
Greg was 17 years old when he received two purple hearts for his combat valor. Greg Lee is a Patriot and a true American hero.
Posted: September 8th, 2022 under General News.