🌟 Duane Stevenson: A Life of Service, Strength, and Quiet Wisdom
Early Life and Character
Born in
November 1923, Duane Stevenson entered the world at a time of global uncertainty, yet he grew into a man defined by steadiness, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. Those who knew him in his youth recall a soft‑spoken young man who listened more than he talked, thought before he spoke, and carried himself with a maturity beyond his years. These qualities would become the foundation of a life marked by courage, devotion, and unwavering integrity.
Service in World War II
At
19 years old, Duane was drafted into the United States Army, serving from
1943 to 1946 during the Second World War. He was inducted at
Fort Sheridan, completed basic training, and was then sent to
Fort Story, Virginia, followed by
Seattle, Washington. From there, he shipped out to
Hawaii for further training before entering some of the most intense combat of the Pacific Theater.
His service included:
- Combat in Guam, fighting until the island was secured
- Combat in the Philippines, contributing to the liberation of the islands
- Deployment to Okinawa, which he described as the worst combat he experienced
- Post‑war occupation duty in the Japanese islands
- Return home via the Panama Canal, across the Atlantic, and into New York Harbor
Duane’s service record reflects not only bravery, but endurance and loyalty under the harshest conditions. His fellow soldiers respected him deeply, and the VFW community continues to honor him as a living link to a generation that carried the weight of the world on its shoulders.
A Legacy of Love, Family, and Community
After returning home, Duane built a life grounded in love and quiet strength. He married his sweetheart,
Florence, and together they shared more than
50 years of marriage before her passing in 2010. He is the proud father of
two daughters, grandfather to
four grandchildren, and great‑grandfather to
twelve great‑grandchildren, each of whom sees him as both a hero and a gentle guide.
Now
102 years old, Duane remains active, independent, and deeply cherished. As a longtime
VFW member, he is considered a treasure of the post—respected not just in words, but in the way people treat him. He continues to appear in parades, riding in an original WWII Jeep owned by his friend and fellow veteran, John WestPhal.
Soft‑spoken and thoughtful, Duane chooses his words with care. When asked whether technology has helped the world, he offered a characteristically wise answer:
“Technology is debatable.” Yet with a spark of imagination, he added,
“Jet planes and airplanes in general are one of the greatest achievements… think of what could have been done with them back in WWII!”
His life is a testament to humility, courage, and the quiet power of a man who has lived through history and still greets the world with grace.
