Honoring Our Veterans
This page is dedicated to honoring the Veterans in our community for their service and telling their stories.
What Tom Brokaw referred to as "The Greatest Generation" is quickly declining in number. This, of course, refers to not only our World War II Veterans but also to the families that supported those veterans in the war effort. These are some of the veteran's personal stories pertaining to their own war efforts. It's the club's hope that should you be so inclined, you will reach out individually to these veterans and get to know them a little better.
We will start with the World War II Veterans as we do not want to lose their stories. The goal is then to get stories from all Sunflower Veterans. Click on the veterans name below their picture to read that veteran's story.
Gary Hayden: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Lasting Impact
Airman First Class Gary Hayden served in both the Nebraska Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, beginning a journey of service that helped shape his distinguished civilian career. In 1958, while living in Lincoln, Nebraska, Gary had recently completed college and was working summers for the railroad when he received his draft notice. Like many young men of his era, he chose to enlist in the branch of service that best aligned with his goals, joining the Nebraska Air National Guard that same year. Gary completed Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. His training experience was notably shaped by a unique class cohort composed largely of college graduates or near-graduates. Recognizing this, their drill instructor took a measured and respectful approach that left a lasting impression. For summer duty, Gary served at Alpena, Michigan, working in communications where his responsibilities included maintaining telephone systems and teletype operations. He later transferred to the Air Base in Ottumwa, Iowa. After his military service, Gary pursued a career in education, earning his Ph.D. in Special Education. His professional path took him to leadership roles in Iowa and Minnesota, including two superintendent positions, and lead of an area education Agency. He guided school districts with integrity and compassion. One moment in his career remains especially memorable. While walking a school hallway, Gary encountered a young student leaving class in distress, declaring she was quitting school due to conflict with an administrator. Gary listened, calmed her, and encouraged her to return to class. Years later, at graduation, she sought him out to thank him for his guidance, testament to the quiet impact of steady leadership. Reflecting on his journey, Gary credits the military with providing discipline, direction, and career opportunities. He continues to recommend service as a meaningful path for young people seeking purpose and growth.
