Stories of Service, Faith, & Community

U.S. ARMY VETERAN | IN LOVING MEMORY

A Life of Service, Kindness & Faith

“Right place, right time, right uniform.” These words give a glimpse at the interesting life of a man who, although never having left the states serving in the Army, knows that this early time set the trajectory of good choices and positive benefits for his life’s journey.

William Masterson grew up all over Florida in the 1940s and 50s. This was because his dad was a Customs’ or “dry” agent enforcing the 18th Amendment running down whiskey smugglers. When prohibition ended, dad became an investigator with the alcohol tax unit, under the Bureau of Internal Revenue, to ensure the liquor industry paid federal taxes. This is while William was attending Robert E. Lee High School on Jacksonville’s westside, when the family first lived on Lydia Street, then Catherine Terrace in Murray Hill.

U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD VETERAN 

A Life of Healing, Service & Listening

As a life-long nurse, working in both hospitals and with the Missouri Army National Guard, her focus on caring for others was instilled in her as a child by several family members who taught by example. 

Growing up as an only child in Fargo, ND, with her mom working, she spent a lot of time with her grandma, Anna, who was very loving to her and readily helped her neighbors in need, imparting a good example to a young Jacquelyn. She was very active in high school, playing the drums in her school’s marching and concert bands, as well as performing with the thespian club and debate team. Being a part of the Luther League, within the Olivet Lutheran Church, also played a role in shaping her values.

U.S. NAVY VETERAN 

A Naval Aviator's Journey of Service & Faith

A naval aviator for 21 years where he can proudly say his take-offs equaled his landings, his rich career brought him many unique experiences. From flying search and rescue missions off the USS LaSalle, to moving cargo on the CH-46 Sea Knight, to enforcing the Camp David Accord Peace Treaty as a United Nations Peace Keeper, Veteran Douglas MacDonald has contributed to what most folks can only imagine.

U.S. NAVY VETERAN 

A Navy Veteran Guided by Faith & Duty

Entrenched in the life of the coal region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, known for having the largest deposits of anthracite or pure black coal in the world, this Navy veteran would lead an exemplary life focused on upholding the 12 personal standards set by the Boy Scouts of America. These standards of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent have been the founding goals of Robert Erdossy’s life.

U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN 

Courage, Aviation & a Life Above the Clouds

They say less than one percent of the population will ever experience a sunset or sunrise from a Navy ship.  She had the fortunate experience of witnessing such a sunrise during a simulated NATO exercise of an amphibious assault that was like a techno-color, action-packed, movie scene.  

U.S. NAVY VETERAN 

A Lifetime Dedicated to Saving Lives

From a fireman in the Coast Guard to a firefighter lieutenant EMT at a naval base, he’s played a role in supporting and saving lives throughout a 31-year career.

Raised in the San Marco area of Jacksonville, FL, David Warren Durban was the captain of his high school’s swimming team, and the oldest of three sons. He had a mentor that he stayed in touch with until his recent passing, George McCall, who was in the Army’s 82nd Airborne during WWII and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. 

U.S. ARMY VETERAN 

A Lifetime of Service in Many Uniforms

Raised by a preacher father, he set this veteran’s life path to be drawn to helping others, and learn many new skills that were acquired during a variety of interesting career paths. Steel company estimator, college admissions counselor, chamber of commerce director, Army soldier, state prison parole officer: these are some of the careers that make up William Haworth’s life.