LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — What began as a planned two-year stint in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve turned into a lifelong military career for one Allen County veteran. Former Allen County Fair Manager Don Klingler shared his story with Lima Rotarians on Monday as part of their Veterans Day program, reflecting on his 30 years of service in the Marine Corps.
Klingler enlisted in 1953 as one of the first Lima Marine reservists but soon left the reserves to pursue active duty and several career aspirations, including meteorology and becoming a helicopter pilot. His service included three tours in Vietnam and several years flying Marine One, the presidential helicopter.
Klingler's service included three tours in Vietnam and several years flying Marine One, the presidential helicopter.
“Well, of course, it was a great job, best one ever had in my life. But I flew as a copilot for President Johnson, and then I flew two years, the first two years of President Nixon as a command pilot. They call them command pilots. One of five in the squadron was designated as a command pilot.”
Klingler said he also flew then-Prince Charles—now King Charles—and Princess Anne when they were teenagers visiting the United States, along with other world leaders.
