Combat Helicopter Pilot to Mercy Flights
June 10, 2014
Hosted by Gary Ray
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Episode Description
He flew 650 combat helicopter missions in Vietnam, where he was shot down and received the Air Medal for Heroism for saving his crew . By Paul Fattig Mail Tribune If Medford resident Steve Deaton didn't have the papers and photographs to document his tales, they would raise more than a few eyebrows. "My military experience was all out of the norm — not the standard track," he acknowledged. "But everything, except going to Vietnam, was voluntary." Consider this: He was born on Veterans Day — Nov. 11, 1950 — in the U.S. Naval Hospital on the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, Calif. And his official military discharge as a chief warrant officer 4 from the Oregon Army National Guard inactive reserve is effective today — Nov. 11, 2010 — at age 60. He flew 650 combat helicopter missions in Vietnam, where he was shot down and received the Air Medal for Heroism for saving his crew. He also earned the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart in Vietnam. That was before he flew fixed-wing surveillance between South and North Korea, and piloted a newfangled airplane — he learned to fly it en route — from Northern Ireland to the Middle East just in time for Desert Storm in 1991. Small wonder his wife, Susan, fondly refers to him as "Forrest Gump" when it comes to his military experience.
American Heroes Network
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It has been said that we are only a generation away from forgetting our history. Disabled American Veterans struggle every day to overcome life-changing sacrifices. Their stories provides a vital part of history that has contributed to our American tradition.
American Heroes Network provides a way for individuals, corporations and small businesses to support our Heroes by helping our veterans and their families rebuild their lives. They help aim our veterans, looking for jobs, in the right direction, help provide homes for our troops, assisting individuals and their families who have been severely injured while serving in the U.S. military and providing scholarships for families of our Fallen Heroes.
This will be a weekly hour long show joined by our military heroes and people and organizations that make a difference.
Gary Ray
"Gary Ray's" background includes hosting / co-hosting radio talk shows for more than 15 years on a number of subjects. His background also includes more than 19 years in the Insurance industry, nine years as an Internet Marketer and consultant. Gary is co-founder and co-developer and involved in the implementation of the Worldwide Racing Network. For seven years he worked closely with NASCAR and Turner Sports Interactive with the NASCAR Touring series.
"Gary Ray" joined Armed Forces Radio Network in 2008 as the Public Relations Director and provided Marketing and radio interviews. In February 2011 he was promoted to President. In September 2012 he resigned his position to continue his passion on the next level.
Gary continues helping our veterans and their families rebuild their lives. He believes by working together, our military men and women who return home are heroes to their families and communities. His resources provide a lifeline of aid and support not only for our veterans but also the families of our fallen heroes.
"Gary Ray" is developing one of the most powerful Radio Networks in the country called "American Heroes Network" powered by VoiceAmerica. You will hear firsthand the personal accounts of heroes whose unselfish actions have contributed to the traditions and values that represent the soul of America.
