Celebrating The RV Industry's Military Veterans

In preparation for Veterans Day, RV PRO's July issue highlights US military veterans who are working in the RV industry. A few veterans have been included below, but the full version can be found here. The RV Industry Association would like to thank all US veterans and those currently enlisted for their service.

Larry Barnes

Company/ Position: A World of Training, operations specialist

Military Branch/ Rank: U.S. Army, specialist 4

Years served: 4

Memorable moment/ point of pride: I served two years in South Korea. My first year, I was assigned to a medical battalion in Dongducheon, which is fairly close to the DMZ and home of Second Infantry Division, of which I was a part. Fresh out of Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Mich., I learned to make new friends from a different land. My roommates were KATUSA’s (Korean Augmented to the United States Army). We learned a lot from each other, grew together, and bonds of trust and friendship were formed. They are amazing people with an equally amazing culture, and I am proud to have served in such a special place. The mountain temples took my breath away and I have never forgotten my time there. I still love Kimchi and Pork Bulgogi to this day! Saranghamnida! – I love you – and the memories.

Duane Newville

Company/ Position: Adjust-A-Brush, president

Military Branch/ Rank: U.S. Air Force, senior master sergeant

Years served: 1950-1972

Memorable moment/ point of pride: I joined the USAF prior to the start of the Korean War in February 1950, and after 22 years, retired as a senior master sergeant. My last overseas assignments included England, Germany and Vietnam. I served most of my career in military intelligence organizations – including 13 years with the USAF Security Service. Among many exciting assignments, one I reflect on most was serving in Combat Intelligence/ Operations of a SAC Bomb Wing with 45 B-47 bombers operated by three-man crews of WWII Combat service. I worked in the War Room compiling information for each crew in preparation for their missions. Crews then came to the War Room to study their target assignments and learn the risks of being the first responders to enemy action. These service members are now referred to as “The Greatest Generation” – and they are. I also recall hearing that the B-47 aircraft were credited with “keeping the Cold War cold.”

Juliana Whitecotton

Company/ Position: Alliance RV, final black

Military Branch/ Rank: U.S. Air Force, A/C

Years served: 4

Memorable moment/ point of pride: I was a crew chief on C-130’s. My particular C-130 was for satellite reconnaissance. I was responsible for aircraft receiving several letters of accommodation from the flight crews. I am very proud to have served my country even though it was peacetime. I come from a long line of military: my father, grandfather, uncles, etc.

Marshall Walker

Company/ Position: Airstream, CAD detailer

Military Branch/ Rank: U.S. Navy, AMS2

Years served: 1966-1969

Memorable moment/ point of pride: Jan. 10, 1967 – Sept. 20, 1967, on board the USS America in the Mediterranean Sea; May 29, 1968 - Jan 31, 1969, USS Constellation West Pac-Vietnam. Out of boot camp I was assigned to Reconnaissance Attack Squadron RVAH-5 as an aviation structural mechanic working on RA-5C Vigilantes built by North American Rockwell in Columbus, Ohio. The slippery-looking aircraft conducted missions unarmed, easily taking surprise photos before airstrikes – then dodging SAMs and MIGs while taking photos after the airstrike. As you may deduct, it was recorded as the highest loss rate of Navy aircraft during the Vietnam War. The VC knew a photo session followed an airstrike, so they were prepared as the Vigilante flew in with air support from F4 Phantoms. I removed surface corrosion and painted many gallons of epoxy paint to keep the best-looking plane of the time looking proud. Look it up, you will see a plane that was way ahead of its time. We painted the entire plane in the hangar bay, included the BuWep numbers, squadron insignia decals (Savage Sons), and Pilot/RAN names. I worked on the check crew, which removed thousands of Apex screws from panels so the internal structures and electronics could be inspected. While in the Gulf of Tonkin from a long distance, we got to see the sky light up and hear the “thunder” as the USS New Jersey fired her first combat cannon rounds since WWII. Bullseye from nearly 20 miles away.

RV PRO's full version is here.