Honoring Korean War Veteran Bill Sutton
Edgewater, MD – At 94 years young, Bill Sutton recalls his service with amazing clarity. He joined the Navy ROTC program at Penn State. He remembers, almost comically, the day he got his papers, recalling “About July 4th, I was hitchhiking back to school and my roommate was coming the other way with his suitcase. I said Larry… where are you going? He said “I’m going in the Army and so are you and the notices were on the table”
After joining the Navy, Bill was transferred to the Army and served from 1953 until he was honorably discharged in 1961. During his time in Kitzingen, Germany, he provided medical care to fellow soldiers as a chief neuropsychiatric technician (MOS 1403). While abroad, Bill mentioned that some soldiers got homesick, however, he took comfort in having his future bride Barbara with him. Bill and Barbara were married in Germany on December 11, 1954. Like many of his generation that served, he still holds great pride for those who came before, stating, “The Americans before us did a good job”. For his service, Bill was recognized with a Good Conduct Medal, an Army of Occupation Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal. Despite what may have been an accelerated entrance into the military, Bill expresses a deep sense of duty, indicating that he would have gladly continued his service had it not been for his early release.
Following his military career, Bill transitioned to civilian life and established a successful insurance brokerage in Northern Virginia. Years later, he and Barbara would settle in Gingerville Estates in Edgewater, MD to raise their family, two daughters Mary and Sheila, and a son William. You can hear the smile in his voice when he talks about their life together. Barbara Sutton sadly passed away in 2020 after 66 years of marriage. Bill’s service continues to this day in his dedication to his family and community which is evident in the strong bonds built with friends and neighbors.
Recently, trees around Bill’s house fell and damaged his gutters. His roof has aged with granule loss and moss growth due to the large trees canopying his property. As an elderly Veteran with limited resources, a new donated roof will not only enhance the comfort and safety of Sutton’s home but also relieve a great financial burden for him. Operation: Raise The Roof is inspired by Bill’s lifelong commitment to service and is proud to give back to a distinguished veteran and cherished community member.
Conclusion
Bill Sutton’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering patriotism. From his unexpected enlistment to his years of service as a chief neuropsychiatric technician, Bill’s life reflects the sacrifices and strength of a generation shaped by duty. Now, as he faces the challenges of maintaining his home, Operation: Raise The Roof stands as a testament to the gratitude of the community he has long enriched. By providing Bill with a new roof, we honor his lifetime of service, ensuring that he can continue to live comfortably and safely in the home where he has built so many memories.
Operation: Raise the Roof, is a Veteran-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit, powered by Valor Home. This donated roof is made possible through the support of generous sponsors including Beacon Building Products’ Beacon of Hope program, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer GAF, and through the generous support of community members, especially customers of Valor Home.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to honoring our veterans.
To support a new roof for a veteran in need, please visit Operation: Raise the Roof at https://operationrtr.com
Your donation will ensure we can support more veterans.
For more information, contact:
Brianna Herndon
Operation: Raise the Roof, Powered by Valor Home
(219) 406-4341
Brianna@OpRTR.com
