Crofton Veterans Speak About Military Experiences

Their careers span the decades and their stories span a range of emotions. Some heartwarming, others heart wrenching, but all patriotic. Veterans are honored today as the community and the country pays tribute to them for their dedicated service. Below is a look at the lives of just two area veterans who we gave thanks to today.

Mr. John Douglas, a True Patriot in Crofton

Crofton resident, John Douglas, is a patriotic 97-year old man who devoted most of his adult life to serving his country. Douglas spent one year in college and then dropped out to serve in the US Navy- Aviation Division, during the Great Depression. When asked why he decided to serve, he responded with "I needed work. The Navy gave me a job."

Douglas spent more than 30 years serving his country, ending his military career at the Pentagon and NSA, retiring in August 1964. For most of his career, he was part of a Dive-Bombing Squadron that operated off of ships, mostly in the Pacific. Mr. Douglas served in World War II in the Pacific and Europe; in the Korean War; and also in the Vietnam War. This man is truly a seasoned war veteran.

His fondest memories of the time he spent in the Navy was flying the planes off the large carriers. He said that he made many good friends, most who have passed on, but still maintains contact with some meeting for coffee once a week when they can. His worst memories are private, but he did share that it was very hard to see the many innocent people who died in the line of fire. I know he had much to share that couldn't be said.

The Navy was very good to Douglas, affording him and his family the opportunity to travel and live all over the world on his many tours. While this seasoned veteran has ridden in many Veterans' Day parades, he plans to take it easy this year and reflect at home.

Fly High, Air Force

Hugh Seborg has lived in Crofton for more than 35 years and is proud to have achieved the rank of Colonel, US Air Force. Seborg joined the Air Force in 1955. He graduated from the US Naval Academy and drew the number four choice in his class allowing him to get into the technically advanced cruise missile field in the Air Force. The Air Force did not graduate its first class until 1959, so he has some history there. Having a long and fruitful career in the military, Seborg has a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He has been stationed all over the United States with a very diverse life in the military.

Seborg said that his fondest memory in the military is being in charge of eight successful launches for a new national space program, and participating in more than 200 space launches for NASA and the U. S. Air Force.  His worst memory-- was launching a THORAD booster and satellite that was destroyed just after launch by the range safety officer.

This Colonel has many stories to tell of his time spent in the military. Being an active member in our community, Seborg is another example of a true patriot. "Veteran's Day is a day for everyone in the United States of America to remember all servicemen and women who have honorably served their country," he said.

 "The people I worked with in the military were there for one reason, to get the job done. Some days were 12 hours or more, but there was a huge sense of dedication. They worked as a team." Seborg is thankful for his opportunity to serve and said he had an enjoyable career. He would highly recommend the military as a career and speaks to various groups about his time spent in the military.

 A Lesson in History

World War I, known at the time as "The Great War", officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.  Fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars.

Today, November 11, 2010,  is the day we recognize those who have served in our armed forces—and we call it Veteran's Day.