At Village Manor, three residents share a bond forged by service to their country. Though their military experiences were different, Gilbert Calhoun, Jack Grayson, and Ray Buckberry each exemplify the dedication, sacrifice, and pride that define America’s veterans.
Gilbert Calhoun’s military and intelligence career spans decades of dedicated service. While attending Western Kentucky University, he joined ROTC and found himself inspired to serve. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving on active duty from 1955 to 1962. He then continued his commitment to national security through service with the U.S. Air Force Reserves while working with the Central Intelligence Agency from 1962 to 1988, where his CIA career continued until 1989.
After his time with the CIA, Gilbert served with NATO in Holland from 1990 to 1994 and continued NATO service in 1995. Following the events of September 11, 2001, he returned to NATO for an additional year of service. Looking back, Gilbert credits military service with providing focus and direction throughout his life. The discipline, purpose, and opportunities he experienced through service helped shape the course of his future.
Today, Gilbert speaks with deep respect for his fellow service members and colleagues. “I have the greatest admiration for those who served and those I served with,” he says.
Jack Grayson served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Raised as an only child by his aunt, Jack believes his path to military service was one of purpose. “God called me to serve,” he reflects. During his time in the Army, he trained as a water supply specialist, spending much of his time in the field establishing facilities where Federal Reserve units could shower and clean up. He also remembers the tension of the era, remaining on standby in case of an atomic bomb emergency.
One of Jack’s fondest memories is the strong relationship he shared with his sergeant, a leader he deeply respected. Service became a source of pride not only for Jack but for his entire family. His first son was born while he was serving, and years later that son followed in his footsteps, serving for a decade in Colorado, flying helicopters and training pilots. Military service became a family tradition, with all of Jack’s cousins also answering the call to serve.
Ray Buckberry, who served from 1956 to 1958, was motivated by a profound sense of civic responsibility. For Ray, military service was an obligation of citizenship and an opportunity he was thankful to have. The experience that stands out most in his memory is the time he spent stationed in Japan, where he gained perspectives and memories that have stayed with him throughout his life.
Like Jack and Gilbert, Ray remains deeply proud of his service. His commitment to his country has not faded with time. Even today, he says he “would do anything” he could to be helpful to the nation he served.
Though their stories are unique, Gilbert, Jack, and Ray share common values: duty, gratitude, and pride in serving something greater than themselves. Their experiences remind us that the voices of veterans are not just stories of the past – they are living legacies that continue to inspire future generations.
At Village Manor, we enhance the journey of life for older adults every day – and are honored to do so in celebrating the stories of Gilbert Calhoun, Jack Grayson, and Ray Buckberry.
-submitted by Village Manor
Be the first to comment