submitted by Gary Vaught
Gary Lemont Vaught was born in Wilkes County to Kay Dowell Lomax and the late John Dexter Vaught Jr. He graduated from Wilkes Central High School in 1988 and joined the U.S. Navy on July 20, 1988. He did basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois, and rose to the rank of E3 while working as an Electrical Mechanical Equipment Repairman (DG-9760). He was awarded an Armed Forces Exp. Medal, Sea Service Medal (3), National Defense Service Military Unit Commendation, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, and Navy Unit Commendation. Gary received an honorable discharge in 1992. He received an associate's degree in 2000 from Wilkes Community College.
My mom attended the graduation. It was good to see a face from home. My first assignment was on the USS San Jose at the 32nd Naval Base in San Diego, California. There were fun days on the ship, and a few sick ones too. Then off to the Naval Base Apra Harbor in Guam for three years. I was a part of the Kuwait Liberation but not directly involved in any combat. While in Guam during my spare time, I showed kids on the island the game of soccer, which was one of my favorite pastimes. The kids learned the game and loved to play. Guam is a beautiful island. I think the hardest part of the military is getting through basic training. I had a tough instructor. After returning home, I used my GI Bill to further my education. I still stay in touch with a few of my military friends, and some of us have gotten together. My experience in the U.S. Military was a learning experience, seeing the world, and different cultures, and a lot of discipline. It meant a lot to serve my country.