Wilkes County Veterans History Project: Lonnie Dushane

1st Lieutenant Lonnie Dushane served as the S-4 (Staff Officer Logistics) for the 67th Maintenance Battalion. He was responsible for all logistical matters, including buildings, equipment, food, fuel, and ammunition depots. He was drafted on July 21, 1966, and underwent Basic Training at Fort Benning, Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Ord, and Officer Candidate School at Fort Lee. After completing his training, he returned to Fort Benning to serve as the S-4 Officer until June 19, 1969.

His most memorable moments were lying in the snow, firing the M-60 machine gun [BRRRRRRRRRR], training in the mountains, carrying a parade drum during marches, and running during AIT (Advanced Individual Training) and OCS (Officer Candidate School) training. The camaraderie and making friends with fellow soldiers were also significant to him.

At age 77, Lonnie is still dedicated to serving with MASH (Military and Service Heroes). His passion is supporting veterans, active military personnel, their families, and survivors.  As well as shelters, fraternal organizations, and communities. MASH assists approximately 270,000 active military and veterans, and their families and survivors. Additionally, MASH has recently expanded by adding a third military base, introducing MASH’s pantries, and acquiring five VA clinics collectively serving over 10,000 individuals per month. MASH also conducts a statewide initiative where they donate pallet loads of items to fraternal organizations that assist homebound veterans needing assistance. The organization only requires individuals to spend twenty minutes with the veterans and offer further assistance, if needed, to ensure they feel loved.

MASH is expanding its operations to North Carolina. They have launched a new program called Llama Love Therapy, which focuses on enhancing mental and emotional well-being through therapeutic interactions with llamas. This free service is available to individuals of all ages, including military members, veterans, survivor families, individuals in autistic programs, and people with disabilities. The program aims to bring the joy and comfort of llama companionship to those who need it most, significantly impacting their emotional and mental health.

MASH serves military heroes and the community through dedicated volunteers with unwavering commitment and respect while strengthening the broader community. MASH strives to honor and respect those who keep us free.

For more information or to support MASH’s mission, please visit www.mashpantry.org or contact Elaine Dushane, Corporate Project Manager at (614) 800-1516 / elaine@mashpantry.org.

On January 6, 1947, Lonnie began his journey and arrived in Flint, Michigan to two loving and compassionate parents, Ellsworth (nickname Bud) and Shirley Dushane. Later in life, Lonnie met and married Judy; a very special lady who was part Native American Indian. Judy had a spiritual side and was loved by everyone who met her. She was the strength and foundation of a beautiful relationship that lasted for over 56 years. Judy helped and supported Lonnie in his quest to uplift as many people as they could.

They raised two beautiful boys, Lonny and Randy. The family worked together to bring as much love as they could to so many. Judy’s passing in 2021 left a void in many hearts, but the memories of so many special moments helped fill those hearts abundantly. She was a blessing to so many, and Lonnie still carries the love he has for her. She was beautiful in so many ways, inside and out.

Some people have said that Lonnie had a White Knight syndrome, which bothered him a little. He began to search his mind, and after some time a realization came to him; he was just like his father. Lonnie's parents had been childhood sweethearts, and his mother had always been sick with serious asthma. Lonnie observed his father as he took care of his mother with great love and compassion. His father would hold her in his arms, wipe her mouth after nausea, and put a cold cloth on her forehead. Lonnie knew that his father would hold her very still so as not to disturb her rest, and he understood how painful it was for his father's arms as they would go numb while he comforted her. The children witnessed the love and strength of their father, as they were the ones running to get fresh washcloths.

Lonnie's father was a skilled craftsman and was involved in building the boulders and waterfalls at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, FL. Lonnie's mother and father supported each other and wouldn't allow anyone to mistreat the other. Lonnie's father worked as a Plastering Contractor and, on one occasion, the General Contractor didn't give him his check after completing his work. In response, Lonnie's mother gathered all four kids, and they visited the General Contractor's office. She insisted that they wouldn't leave until the check was written for Lonnie's father, as he had completed his job with quality and dedication. The family never left without receiving the check. Lonnie's tendency to act as a white knight reflected his parents' principles.

Lonnie is a multi-talented individual who is involved in various fields such as music, writing (author of "The Red Rocks Miracle"), art, and ministry. He also contributes to programs for natural disaster relief, abuse prevention, support for the homeless, and aiding those struggling with drug addiction, as well as initiatives to support military personnel and veterans.

Lonnie's musical journey began in middle and high school music programs, followed by his participation in a rock and roll band called the Galaxies. He played in a drum and bugle group during his training in the Army. Now, Lonnie performs as a one-man band at various events, showcasing contemporary Christian music at different churches and revivals. He has mentioned that his repertoire ranges from Pitbull to Lawrence Welk, as he adapts to the diverse nature of his audience.

In 2018, Lonnie rented a park in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida for a program called "Holidays in the Park." The program took place during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. During the event, he played music while his family, friends, and volunteers gave away 1,000 sweatshirts with hoods and pockets, blankets, food, and drinks to those in need. Additionally, volunteer speakers shared uplifting messages to bring love and compassion to those who deserved it.

As a young boy, Lonnie was raped twice and spent forty years not telling anyone at all, including his mother and father, his wife, or his best friend. His wife Judy and he had gone to a course his youngest son Randy had just completed. It was three days of intense reflection starting in adolescence and moving forward. After the first break on day one, there were a few empty chairs, on the second day even more empty chairs at the beginning of the day, after lunch, and then after dinner more empty chairs. As you can see, some people were afraid to go on the journey. On the third day, the class was divided into groups of four, with a moderator in the center. During this activity, Lonnie was listening to a lady in another group telling her story of rape, and the next thing he knew one of the staff came breaking through his circle and stood before him, and said “Lonnie what is going on?” Lonnie completely broke down and shared with the group his story of rape. The staff member told him that he carried a burden on his shoulders that was not meant for him.  All the pain, guilt, and shame. That Sunday he sent forgiveness on the wings of a prayer. His pain immediately left him, never to return and now he speaks at abuse programs.

Lonnie’s family has opened their home to many individuals and families who need help. His sons, Lonny and Randy, continue this tradition. Lonnie is extremely proud of the men they have become. Lonnie believes that he is who he is, not because of himself, but because of all those who have shown him the power of love, compassion, and empathy. He feels they have all played a part in shaping him with divine guidance from God and his Guardian Angels.

Lonnie worked as a volunteer around the world, helping in natural disasters. With blind faith and a van full of food and supplies, he always ventured to disaster areas, where he worked with many churches of different denominations. On his way to meet a contact for a hurricane in North Florida, Lonnie found that the person wasn't there. He then drove a couple of hours to Panama City Beach, where he found a church to offload his supplies. There he met Operation Blessing, who, after hearing about Lonnie and his son's restaurant (Lonny D's) asked him to work in their mobile kitchen. Lonnie initially declined a job as a Production Chef and Food Manager, given his already busy schedule with book signings, speaking engagements, mentoring at TAPS (Tragic Assistance Program for Survivors), and his volunteer work. After a few weeks, he realized he could reach even more people and make a bigger impact by joining Operation Blessing.

He accepted the position and was stationed in Virginia Beach, away from his family. However, after about nine months at Operation Blessing, he returned home to be with his wife, Judy, who was ill. Tragically, Judy passed away on 10-21-2021.

In December 2021, Lonnie met Elaine for the first time at the community pool, and it was the beginning of another stage in Lonnie’s life. While talking, they discovered they had both written on Nextdoor in 2019. Lonnie had written about working for Operation Blessing during disasters, while the lady had written about helping veterans in an organization called MASH. Lonnie signed a copy of his book and put it in her mailbox.  

In 2022, Lonnie began volunteering with MASH in Ohio, working with veterans, active military, families, survivors, fraternal organizations, and community organizations. He was soon offered and accepted the position of Executive Director of Operations.

Elaine's dad, Russell Knotts, was 100 years old and served with the 82nd Airborne, jumping out of planes in World War II. He wanted to move to Florida, so Elaine and Lonnie retired from MASH in April 2023 and returned to Florida until he passed away in July 2023. Lonnie witnessed many special moments and observed a beautiful exchange of love between a father and his daughter. They told Russell about a project to search for property in the mountains and to honor him by naming it The Shire of Knotts Landing. He was thrilled and became a part of the dream.

Elaine and Lonnie had returned to Ohio for an event, and during their visit, they went to Elaine's dad’s gravesite. While there, they said a prayer asking for the help of Russell, who was known as "a man of steel" due to his involvement with Ohio Steel and his strong character and stature. They also asked for the intervention of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all their departed loved ones. As they were leaving the cemetery, they received a call from a friend in Wilkesboro who informed them about a lady selling acreage in Ferguson, North Carolina. They contacted the lady immediately and got the address before leaving the cemetery. Within a few days, Lonnie and Elaine visited the property, saw its potential and beauty, and decided to purchase it. Although they were originally looking in the mountains of Georgia, they believed it was God's plan for them to be in North Carolina. As a result, they are now bringing MASH and Llama Love Therapy to the property, known as The Shire of Knotts Landing, as an answer to their prayers and as part of their vision and passion to help others.

Elaine and Lonnie believe that God brought them together to walk a spiritual path and share their love and compassion with as many people as possible. Lonnie discovered his purpose early in life: to "love as many as I can, the best I can until I take my last breath." Together, Elaine and Lonnie make an awesome team and are meant to help others along this path. They have a sign in their home that says, "MEANT TO BE." They were married on 12-31-23 (1,2,3 – 1,2,3) at the top of their beautiful mountain retreat. It's been a beautiful and rewarding adventure for them, and they send their love and blessings to all.