Veteran Spotlight
Sue Lamm-Gurley - USAF - Vietnam Veteran
Sue grew up on a small tobacco farm in Eastern North Carolina. After graduation from Lucama High School, she entered Wilson School of Nursing. The 60’s were a very turbulent time in America’s history, as resistance to the Vietnam war became forefront in American lives with burning of the flag, burning draft cards and disrespect and hatred aimed at the American veteran. While in nursing school, Sue made up her mind to enlist in the military and show support for veterans by going to Vietnam to take care of the sick and wounded.
After graduating in August of 1969 and passing the state nursing boards in October of 1969, Sue enlisted in the Air Force in November, as a 2nd lieutenant. In January, she left the farm and set forth to accomplish her mission. She spent a year at Travis AFB in California and in March of 1971, she was off to Danang, Vietnam to the 366th USAF Dispensary.
After completing her tour in Vietnam and her two years of obligation in the Air Force, Sue was honorably discharged at the rank of 1st lieutenant. She decided to continue her service to veterans and worked at the VA Medical Centers in Asheville and Durham. She retired after 34 years of service in the VA.
After her retirement, Sue worked a few years on a PRN basis with Hospice of Alamance. She also joined and became very active in the Burlington VFW Post 10607. She has been past Commander of the Post, the first female to serve as Commander of Post 10607. She is presently Service Officer of Post 10607.
Sue is also active in other veteran organizations including Americans Assisting Veterans and Alcovets. While each organization may have a different mission statement, the goal is the same, “to assist a veteran that needs assistance”.
Sue is married to Gaylon Gurley. Gaylon is a member of the VFW Auxiliary and has been very supportive in helping the VFW and the Auxiliary.
Gary Smith – US Air Force – Vietnam Veteran
Born in Guilford County, Gary was raised in Burlington, North Carolina and has spent most of his life here where he currently resides with his wife, Joyce and enjoys spending time with his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Gary enlisted in the US Air Force after high school, serving from 1964 – 1968. His service included a tour of duty in Vietnam from January 1967 to January 1968 at Bien Hoa, Pleiku, Phu Cat and Danang. Gary was honorably discharged in 1968 and returned home to Burlington where he made his career at Duke Power Company for 35 years.
Gary is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders and has served as a Ride Captain for many years, standing an untold number of flag lines honoring fellow veterans. He is also the Commander of Alpha Detachment for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 15 – 6. The CVMA’s motto is ‘Vets Helping Vets’ and Gary exemplifies that throughout his participation in their many service projects. In addition to his numerous Veteran Organization activities, Gary also faithfully serves as a Deacon at Peoples Memorial Christian Church. Gary has been a champion of Americans Assisting Veterans since its inception and we are grateful for his support.
Mike Mabe – US Army – Vietnam Veteran
Mike Mabe is a native of Forsyth County and has lived in the Pfafftown area most of his life. He graduated high school in the class of ’65 at North Forsyth.
Mabe enlisted in the U. S. Army and served three years. He was an Infantryman and Paratrooper and served in combat with the 101st Airborne Division. Mike was wounded in action on March 12, 1966 but was able to rejoin his unit after several days and continued to serve and complete the one-year tour of duty in Viet Nam.
After his honorable discharge, he met his current wife, Doreen Hammer Mabe, and they married on September 6, 1969. Mike entered college one week later as a freshman and finished college at UNC-G with a BS in Math in December 1972.
He joined Hanes Corporation the next month and worked for Hanes and Sara Lee for 32 years in corporate management and quality control. He managed and directed quality control throughout plants that produced pantyhose, socks, and underwear and traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Mike voluntarily retired from Sara Lee Branded Apparel in 2005 at age 58.
During the past 15 years, Mabe has been a High School Substitute teacher and has subbed 1000 days, mostly at Reagan High School in Pfafftown.
Mike serves on the Northwest Piedmont Purple Heart Foundation, attends many Veterans Coffee gatherings in the area, and otherwise serves to promote veterans to the honor they deserve.
Benny Ray Vickers – US Army – Vietnam Veteran
Born and raised in Guilford County, North Carolina Benny was drafted July 18th, 1969 at the age of 21. Serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade he arrived in Vietnam in February of 1970 (Bồng Sơn, Bình Định Province). In June of 1970 he was severely wounded; hit four times in the shoulder, liver, hip, and knee. Benny spent 1 month in Japan and 4 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. before being sent to the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg where he continued to recuperate for 9 months until he was discharged and returned home. Benny was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and the Army Commendation Medal for his service to his country.
