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 Direct 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 on Flights 52 and 53 this past weekend. 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.
FLIGHT 52
Winfried Belanger
U.S. Air Force 1960-1990 Vietnam
Trained as an Avionics Repairman Win was the guy who could fix anything that was broken. Flying from Langley Air Force Base, two KB-50, 4 engine aerial refueling tankers headed to the Azores. Flight “Tyler 41” with 8 crew members on board disappeared at the Bermuda Triangle. Win was on the sister-ship searching for the lost plane, fuel was running out forcing landing In the Azores. The crew was lost.
Win was assigned to Tan Son Knute Air Force Base. In a bar, Win and a friend Ed took drinks upstairs. A massacre killed everyone on the first floor. Win and Ed ran out before Vietnamese Police arrived. Returning stateside, Win gained a reputation of “Belanger is coming, the base is closing”. Win received several Medals and Commendations for his 30 years and 100 days of service to our Country. May 18th is Win and Polly’s 62nd anniversary.
Barry Clark
U.S. Air Force 1965-1969 Vietnam
After basic and AIT training at Lackland Air Force Base, Barry was home on leave when his grandmother passed. Barry was assigned to Missile Security, ordered to Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota for three long, cold years. When an alarm went off, Barry was called to one of thirty minuteman missile sites. Barry was in the field three days in a 30-degree blizzard, a hundred miles out with no heat in the vehicles, walking from the second floor on snowbanks to get to the mess hall.
Barry was assigned to warm weather at Johnson Island Air Force Base, on a mile-long, ½ mile wide island 100 miles south of Hawaii. Home to the Atlas Missile Site our troops fired missiles every so often to let the Soviets know they were there.
Dennis Connell
U.S. Navy 1969-1973 Vietnam
At Great Lakes Naval Station, Dennis trained for radarman, sea school and electronic warfare operations.
The USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier deployed in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. 100 miles from shore, they encountered a hurricane path, arriving on shore a week later with a million dollars in damage.
The Secretary of the Navy presented Dennis with the Navy Achievement Medal for his professional achievements, superior performance while serving as Electronic Warfare Operator in the Combat-Information-Center of USS Intrepid. Dennis’s early detection, reporting and recording of emitters enabled the USS Intrepid to complete an outstanding list of Electronic Warfare recordings and reports. His efforts contributed significantly to successful accomplishments of antisubmarine warfare operation vital national and NATO importance.
Dennis joined the Navy to see the world and he traveled to 14 countries.
Robert Cronin
U.S. Army 1953-1956 Korean
In high school Bob joined the National Guard for one year and 20 months. Graduating Bob enlisted in the Army. After training, Bob was stationed in Chin Chon, Korea for 17 months. In Korea, Bob served with the 388th Engineer Pipeline Company. The ships piped fuel into the tanks providing jet fuel at airbases. Bob said troops seldom left the compound due to the dangerous surroundings.
Returning stateside Bob completed his military service with the Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
When asked about his worst experience in Korea, Bob said it was watching the people live in extreme poverty. When asked what the best experience was, Bob said there was none. He just did the best he could.
Bob and his wife Phyliss have been happily married for 64 years.
Theodore Ginett
U.S. Navy 1965-1971 Vietnam
Avoiding the draft, Ted enlisted in the Navy for training at the Great Lakes Naval Station. Ted boarded the USS Bradley and was assigned to Radio Operations, section leader, watch supervisor, and duty master-at-arms.
The USS Bradley began gun-fire support along the coast of South Vietnam, and carrier escort duty in the Gulf of Tonkin. Going to Southeast Asia they were diverted to Sea of Japan in response to the capture of the USS Pueblo.
The final tour resumed escort and gunfire support, firing 3,247 rounds in 10 days from 5”/38 guns.
Dennis Harrsch
U.S. Marine Corps 1967-1971 Vietnam
Dennis completed training at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune. With AIT training, Dennis was assigned to Aircraft Electronics.
Dennis was sent to Cherry Point and then deployed to Vietnam.
Dennis landed in Da Nang at the start of the Tet Offensive.
Dennis was ordered to return from leave as a critical MOS for recovery duty. Upon return, qualified M60, Dennis was diverted to Monkey Mountain as a door gunner.
In areas of intense action, Dennis had some very close calls. Dennis received many awards for his service to our Country.
Donald Norton
U.S. Air Force 1971-1978 Vietnam
With a draft number of 55, the Navy recruiter would not guarantee Don a submarine duty, so he joined the Air Force. Don completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and AIT at Chanute Air Force Base assigned as a Fuel Specialist.
Don served 12 months in Vietnam, completed a 45-day TDY in Thailand, returning stateside to Eglin Air Force Base. Reassigned to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Don asked a friend where it was. He said, “get a map, find Albany, and keep going north”. Don’s final 4 years were in Plattsburgh.
Don was “proud to Serve” but he doesn’t share his military service. A highlight, Don got to meet Bob Hope.
John Smith
U.S. Army 1943-1945 World War II
Dusty trained in Utica, Fort Niagara and Atlantic City which included gas masks and running in sand. Sent to Tampa, Dusty worked in supply, issuing clothing. Dusty traveled by box car to Santa Barbara, California training as a radar operator, a skill he quickly mastered and enjoyed. Sent to Virginia Dusty was aboard a crowded ship for 28 days eating meals on their bunks or on deck. The ship landed in Naples, Italy, Mount Vesuvius erupted, and they were bombed every night. Leaving Italy, Dusty traveled to France where he met up with his brother-in-law and a Merchant Marine from Lake Placid. Sent to Germany, Dusty was nearby when Himmler was arrested.
Returning stateside, Dusty left the service on Pearl Harbor Day.
On June 14 Dusty will turn 101.
Richard Smith Veteran Guardian for his Father
U.S. Army 1970-1973 Vietnam
Richard was drafted and sent to Fort Gordon. With a broken kneecap Richard was asked if he could type, so he quickly learned to type. Being sent to Vietnam, a quick trip home to see his pregnant wife, Richard went to California, Guam and Cam Ranh Bay. With no food for 25 hours, Richard ate the best liver and onions.
With his mechanical background, Richard worked on helicopters and the constant noise resulted in hearing loss.
Not the only Ricard Smith in 1st Company, for a couple of months Richard had no guard duty. Richard made money by pulling guard duty for others for $20 -$40.
William Smith
U.S. Army 1970-1996 Desert Storm
Bill completed basic and AIT training at Fort Polk and was assigned as an Infantry Mortarman. An officer candidate, Bill completed his education at Empire State Military Academy.
Called to active duty for the Lake Placid Olympics, Bill was responsible for medical missions, transportation, and athlete security to assure the safety of the Lake Placid Olympics. About 1,400 guardsmen deployed to pitch heavy battlefield tents, and create heated areas. Within 24 hours of request by Olympic Committee, all logistics were in place and essential equipment was gathered. Called back to active duty for Desert Storm, Bill’s unit was ready to be deployed but would remain on standby.
Gary Stark
U.S. Marine Corps 1968-1970 Vietnam
Gary quit college, traveled to Connecticut with three friends looking for jobs. The draft was coming near so they enlisted; two in the Marine Corps and one in the Army.
Completing basic training at Parris Island, Gary was sent to Camp Lejune for A1 Mortar Training with a duty assignment 0341 Assist Gunner. After jungle training, Gary was deployed to Vietnam and spent time in Okinawa. After two months in Vietnam, Gary received notice that he needed to report for the draft or they would come and get him.
Gary has served 23 years in the fire department, participates in reenactment events and is the Commander-Elect for American Legion Post #1619.
William Stickney
U.S. Army 1963-1965 Vietnam
Bill was drafted, and three brothers also served. Two in the Army and one in the Navy.
After Bill was inducted in Albany, he reported to Fort Dix for basic and AIT training. Bill was dispatched as a Heavy Vehicle Driver and joined the motor pool.
Deployed to Germany, Bill drove a tanker delivery traveling on the Autobahn. With speeds of 35 mph, other travelers behind him weren’t happy and they couldn’t pass. Other drivers altered equipment to get speeds up to 50 mph, but Bill wasn’t risking a court martial.
On alert, Bill spent 24 hours loaded and ready to go but was not dispatched.
Lewis Wager
U.S. Navy Seabees 1970-1975 Vietnam
Lew received a draft notice, completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station and advanced training at Davis Ville Naval Construction Battalion Center as an equipment operator. Assigned to Gulfport Navy Construction Battalion, Lew was at ground zero as clean-up from Hurricane Camille was still in process. The base was the largest storage site in the U.S. for Agent Orange. At Kaden Air Force Base and Camp Shields, Lew trained with the Marine Corps.
Returning to Gulfport, Lew opened his doors, cooking for all who couldn’t go home for Christmas.
After 6-years with the Seabees, Lew won’t step foot on a ship, traveling by air.
David Wentzel
U.S. Air Force 1979-1999 Desert Storm
After basic training at Lackland Air Force Basem, Dave went to tech school at Sheppard Air Force Base in Aircraft Structural Maintenance. In the Michigan winter, the entire shop got canoes. They all fell in the water, built a fire to dry off and got back in their canoes. Dave was sent to a Wyoming missile base and then stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base performing inspections, painting, and equipment maintenance. Dave enjoyed a year in Italy, going to remote towns, driving the biggest trucks on the road, no idea where they were going. Dave’s next stop was Las Vegas. Dave retired from McGuire Air Force Base.
Dave received numerous medals and commendations for his 20 years of service to our Country.
On a side note, Dave and Helen fostered 11 children and currently have 3 babies. Tomorrow they are going to Boston for treatment on a little girl who has a head tumor. Please join me in thanking this caring couple for their dedication to children.
Kevin Woodruff
U.S. Air Force 1973-1977 Vietnam
Inducted in Syracuse, Kevin completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base followed by tech school and AIT training in Aircraft Maintenance at Chanute Air Force Base. Assigned to Travis Air Foce Base, upon arrival, Kevin broke his ankle and it did not heal properly. Waking up after anesthesia, the Squadron Commander and First Sergeant told Kevin he was listed as AWOL, a court martial offense. Looking at the expression of Kevin’s terrified face, they could not contain their laughter.
Due to the severity of Kevin’s injury, he couldn’t continue his Aircraft Maintenance position and was reassigned to the Parts Department until his discharge.
Flight 53
Barry Badore
U.S. Army 1967-1977 Vietnam
Barry followed his father’s footsteps into the Army.
Barry received training as a 63 Charlie Wheel and Track Vehicle Mechanic stationed at Fort Benning, Fort Carson, and Fort Lewis.
Deployed to Vietnam, Barry landed at Cam Ranh Bay and was assigned to An Khe.
There was a mix-up in the duty roster as Barry was to be a CQ runner. Instead, Barry was running a movie projector which exploded at the same time an explosion occurred at their location. Barry considers himself very lucky.
Barry received several medals and commendations for his military service.
William Butcher
U.S. Marine Corps 1966-1969 Vietnam
At 17, Bill and a few buddies joined the Marine Corps. After basic training at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune. Bill earned an expert rifle qualification followed with jungle training.
Deployed to Vietnam, Bill was sent to Khe Sanh Hill 881 South. Assigned to guard duty, Bill was on wire watch as tin cans alerted movement and machine gun bunker response.
On his first tour of duty, Bill was shot and sent to Cam Ranh Bay to recover. Injured on his second tour, Bill was transported to a hospital in Guam. Bill enjoyed watching the nurses sunbathe — no doubt helping his recuperation.
Bill received Purple Hearts for his valor.
Ira Dunn
U.S. Army 1985-1989 Cold War
Ira followed his grandfather and step-fathers’ footsteps into the Army. As his MOS Ira was a Cavalry Scout. At Fort Knox, Ira was in the last division to go through the heartbreak hills known as Misery, Agony and Heartbreak.
After training, Ira was sent to Germany. Ira drove the Bradley, the M1 Abrams, Howitzer Fighting Vehicles and 20mm cannon and tow missile.
At Fort Irwin, Ira trained in special ops, fire and EMT allowing him to become a paramedic and police security. Ira received service medals, included Driver and Mechanic Badges.
Joseph Gittens
U.S. Air Force 1970-1990 Vietnam
Assigned to Lackland Air Force Base, Joe completed basic training, security police academy and combat school.
Joe wanted out of Ellsworth Air Force Base. The option? Vietnam.
His mother said ‘No’; his father did a tarot card reading saying Joe would have seven close calls but would come home okay. With the Marines in Da Nang, Joe had seven close calls. KARMA!
Returning stateside Joe was ordered to Plattsburgh Air Force Base. After 4 years, transferred to Loring Air Force Base, returning four years later, Joe made Plattsburgh his home. Joe received numerous commendations for his 20 years of service.
Joe is proud his two sons served in the Gulf and Iraq.
Kenneth Gladd
U.S. Army 1973-1979 Vietnam
Ken completed basic training and AIT at Fort Dix. Ken joined the 181st Battalion 84th Transportation Company.
Ken split time between Germany and Fort Riley. A truck driver Ken drove 2-1/2 and 5-1/2-ton military trucks carrying supplies and materials.
While in Germany, Ken returned home for his grandfather’s funeral, got married, returned to Germany for 2 weeks.
Returning stateside at Fort Riley, Ken drove tanker trucks delivering gas and diesel fuel. Ken’s favorite place was Amsterdam. Kens time at Kansas Fort Riley cured him of the Army.
Timothy Hawley
U.S. Navy 1969-1973 Vietnam
Flying from Clark Air Force Base to Okinawa, Tim left behind his AWOL bag containing his orders, records and tags. It took time to straighten things out. The Navy ship was located on the Tonkin Gulf patrolling the “Yankee Station”, a 20-mile circular area as the beacon for aircraft.
Tim served 4 campaigns on the USS Sterett, a guided missile destroyer. Tim’s 5th campaign was an Underwater Demolition Team which could be deployed any time.
In 4 years aboard ship, Tim traveled more than 600 nautical miles.
Tim said he’ll fly with a Navy pilot over a Marine pilot any day.
Gilbert Jock
U.S. Navy 1966-1970 Vietnam
Gilbert had basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station as an Electronic Technion with a radar specialty. Assigned to the USS Warrington, a gearing class destroyer, Gilbert traveled to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, and Caribbean.
Gilbert is thankful his Navy training provided a civilian life in the electrical field. Leaving the Navy. Gilbert received medals and letters of citations for his Navy service.
Gilbert joined the Navy Reserves in Vermont where he served from 1980 – 2006.
Ralph LaBombard
U.S. Army 1985-1991 Desert Storm
Following the example of his father and brother, Ralph joined the Army. After basic training at Fort Dix, Ralph trained at Fort McClellon as a Heavy Equipment Operator.
One month before their enlistment ended, Ralph and his best friend Norman were sent to Germany on a 6-month deployment with the 962nd Ordinance Company. Ralph and Norman pulled and loaded ammunition onto trains headed for Desert Storm.
Ralph’s first daughter turned a year old on Ralph’s departure. Ralph is proud to have Jodie as his guardian today.
Ralph received many medals and commendations for his service.
David LaDuc
U.S. Air Force 1972-1976 Vietnam
Wanting to enlist, Dave weighed only 114 pounds despite eating pizza and drinking beer.
The “Scale Dude” touched the scale and Dave was 120 pounds.
Assigned to Sheppard Air Force Base, Dave trained as a Medical Service Specialist completing hospital administration. Sent to Hamilton Air Force Base, Dave treated patients, many with Purple Hearts.
At Tyndall Air Force Base, Dave joined the Hurricane Disaster Team protecting the hospital, patients, and sandbagging to stop flooding. Transferred to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Dave completed college training and 50 caliber machine gun training.
Kenneth McDonald
U.S. Army 1970-1971 Vietnam
Ken was drafted and received basic training at Fort Dix. Ken’s MOS as a clerk typist required him to take dictation at speeds of 90-120 words per minute and typing at 45 words per minute. As a legal clerk, Ken worked on Article 15, court-martial documents, transcribing dictations of correspondence, telephone conversations, discussions in staff meetings and investigations. Ken became a Radio Operator requiring the ability to quickly transmit and receive Morse Code messages.
On TDY, Ken played his favorite sport: battalion football. Ken’s military service provided the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Economics.
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