Claremont Veteran Honored by Lake Sunapee VNA
Claremont Resident Clayton "Dick" McCullough was honored by Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice (LSRVNA) on February 5 as part of the national We Honor Veterans program. LSRVNA has been a We Honor Veterans Partner since 2011, which involves meeting specific requirements to enhance care for patients who served in the military. For those Veterans who are interested, that includes a special in-home recognition ceremony conducted by LSRVNA staff.
McCullough grew up in Newport, RI and graduated from Rogers High School with a focus on the building trades. A brave man, he married Evelyn, a widow with six children! Evelyn and he then had daughter Julie. It is with Julie Davis and her husband Rob with whom Dick now lives in Claremont. Evelyn died in May 2017
McCullough is proud of his extensive military service. First, he joined the United States Navy, where he served as a Seaman Recruit and was honorably discharged in February 1951. Next, he joined the United States Air Force from which he was honorably discharged in September 1955, reenlisted and was again honorably discharged in September 1961. He finished out his military career with the United States Air National Guard of Rhode Island through January 1980. During his military career, McCullough served in Japan, Korea and Panama. He received many excellent evaluations for his thoroughness and willingness to always go beyond what was expected with any task assigned. He also received a Good Conduct Medal.
While in the Air Force, McCullough served in the administrative and personnel fields, advancing from records and finance clerk to chief clerk in a Wing Headquarters Squadron. In 3½ years, he was promoted to the grade of Staff Sergeant. Though not much of a talker about his military assignments, McCullough acknowledged to his daughter that while stationed at Kimbo Air Base in Korea, he was assigned to the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. This unite was responsible for aerial intelligence for both air and ground unites, leading fighter sweeps and directing-bombing strikes. The unit also provided photographic intelligence of enemy activities.
"We are pleased to honor Dick's extraordinary service to our country," says Barbara Wooley, LSRVNA Social Worker.
For more information about We Honor Veterans, contact LSRVNA at 603-526-4077.