Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

4. John’s most memorable experience occurred in February 1970, on his first day of alert duty with the base rescue team. The team responded to a report of a C-130 preparing for a precautionary landing due to a landing gear malfunction. As John climbed into the helicopter’s co-pilot seat, the pilot started the engine before he could secure his safety harness. The helicopter suddenly lurched upward, throwing John out of his seat and through the open door onto the tarmac. He suffered a broken wrist. An investigation revealed that a critical engine speed governing rod had been left off during routine maintenance, causing the engine to accelerate to full throttle as soon as it started. Parker Nilsen joined the Army in 1965. He initially reported to Fort Dix in New Jersey before entering the Military Intelligence training program at Fort Holabird. After graduation he was stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. Serving as a special agent he likes to say “I never wore a uniform” while on active duty, He did wear a uniform - it was a business suit rather than a typical Army uniform. During his service he worked closely with German police units across the country. Due to the nature of his work, he cannot discuss his military experiences. However, he credits the knowledge he gained in understanding human behavior during his three-year military career for the experience necessary to become a successful Human Resource Manager for 34 years at SAFECO, an insurance company, later acquired by Liberty Mutual. Walter Overbey served in the NavyAir Force from 1956 to 1959. He trained as an Aviation Electronic technician. Stationed in Oahu, Hawaii he provided support for the DEW (distant early warning) Line covering flights from Guam to Alaska. Later he worked at North Island off the coast of San Diego, California providing similar support services. He recalls no specific memorable event during his service although he reports his time in Hawaii also provided him an opportunity to learn how to surf. Bobby Thompson joined the Army Reserve in 1965 and trained as an Army cook, inspired by his uncle. Despite completing basic training with his Reserve unit, he was later surprised to be sent through standard Army basic training. During a summer assignment at Fort Bragg, NC, he prepared puréed meals for Vietnam veterans with severe facial and jaw injuries. Out of solidarity, he ate the same meals he prepared for them, an experience he remembers with pride. On a lighter note, many of his assignments offered nearby beaches where he enjoyed water activities during his free time. Keith Weathers served in the Army from 1968 to 1971. His first duty station was in Norfolk, Virginia, where he auditioned as a trumpeter andwas accepted into theArmed Forces School of Music. After graduation, he joined the 72nd Army Band at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California. The band performed military ceremonies, civic events, and community programs throughout southern California, including military funerals. Keith often served as the distant bugler, playing Taps at the end of funeral services. He considered it a great honor to pay tribute to the deceased and their families. After his discharge, he returned to his position on the music faculty at Biola University, a private Christian college in southern California. Written by Leora Elli, Resident, Kirby Pines The Pinecone | November 2026 • 7 • Jim Bampfield enlisted in the Navy in 1960. He served all over the world including Scotland, Iceland, Japan, and various US bases (including Millington, TN). He also served on several ships, including the USS Midway (1972-1974). He was initially trained as a diesel and refrigeration mechanic, then chose training as an aviation electronics technician upon re-enlistment. As promotions followed, he became an aircraft maintenance officer. After retirement, in 1981 (as a Lieutenant), he earned his MBA degree and worked, as a consultant to the Naval Air Systems Command in the Washington, DC area. Sam Bates was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, and joined the Navy in 1962. After training in San Diego and San Francisco, he worked on the Navy’s first satellite navigation system, a precursor to today’s GPS. He later taught electronics at submarine schools in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Dam Neck, Virginia, describing himself as “a non-submariner among submariners.” Sam served aboard several ships conducting ballistic missile tests and ocean surveys, including the USS Observation Island, which President John F. Kennedy visited to observe a Polarismissile test.While stationed at DamNeck, Sam met his future wife, Ellie. He earned engineering and business degrees from Old Dominion University and George Washington University before retiring as a Navy Master Chief in 1982. After retirement, Sam continued working for Navy contractors, eventually joining Lockheed Martin Naval Systems in Moorestown, New Jersey. While living in Marlton, Sam and Ellie became close friends with Roger and Carolyn Hladky (J202) through their Church of Christ congregation. In 2013, Sam and Ellie moved from New Jersey to Kirby Pines. Richard Colditz reported to active duty in the US Air Force on his 30th birthday in 1969. He had recently completed his internship and residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emory University in Georgia. He was assigned to Barksdale AFB in Bossier Parrish, Louisiana. Along with 2 other physicians he provided medical care to the wives of airmen deployed to Vietnam for two years. After discharge he practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Carrolton, GA for 44 years. He and Beverly moved to Memphis in 2018 in order to be closer to their two daughters. Fritz Crombie joined the Air Force in 1962. Initially trained as a Supply Officer, he applied for pilot training. After completing the training program he served at multiple Air Force Bases in Michigan and Texas. He later became a T37 and T38 instructor. He left the service in 1972. His military experience provided the path to obtain a pilot’s license and he began flying for Braniff International and FedEx. During his civilian career he piloted multiple aircraft, including the 727, the Airbus A300, and the DC10. John Elli joined the Air Force in 1967. After basic training at LacklandAFB in Texas, he completed medical training and served at bases in Illinois, the Philippines, and Michigan. He left the Air Force in 1971 and attended Indiana University, later graduating from its Physician Assistant program in 1975. Wanting to serve his country again, John joined the Navy Reserve as a physician assistant in 1984. He served until 2016, retiring as a ChiefWarrant Officer Resident Spotlight: Garden Home Veterans