As part of the We Honor Veteran Program, our VNA and Hospice volunteer was able to interview Eldon at his home. Eldon met his first love, Alice, in grade school in the early 1940s. The two remained friends throughout high school, where they both excelled academically. After graduation, Alice went on to study music while Eldon pursued plant pathology. He later earned a master’s degree while participating in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to service and scientific research.
At age 23, Eldon joined the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1957 to 1961. During his service, he was selected to join the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), where he used his research and investigative skills to help uncover information vital to national security. Eldon recalls his military service with humor, saying he “enjoyed every minute of service.” He and Alice married in 1959, during his active-duty years, and both took pride in his service to the country.
Following his active duty, Eldon returned to academia and earned a doctorate in forest pathology from Syracuse University. He continued serving his country through his work with the U.S. Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, from 1961 to 1994. His distinguished career included teaching at the University of Georgia and being selected for the Senior Executive Service, a corps of senior leaders within the federal government. He ultimately rose to the position of Assistant Department Chief of Research.
Eldon’s research took him around the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica. He especially enjoyed his time in Scandinavia, with Norway and Sweden among his favorite destinations. His work also brought him unexpected recognition. In 1983, while reading National Geographic, Eldon was surprised to discover his own photograph accompanying an article about acid rain, a subject he had researched extensively.
Throughout his career, Eldon earned notable recognition for his contributions to public service and scientific research. In June 1965, he received the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Superior Service Award for his exceptional leadership and efforts to foster an environment that encouraged innovative research and intellectual achievement. In June 1991, he received the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive, recognizing his sustained accomplishments in government management and his contributions to the quality and efficiency of public service.
After the passing of his beloved Alice and a close friend from his Air Force days, Eldon found companionship in his friend’s widow, with whom he had already shared a longstanding friendship. Together, they enjoyed traveling the world during their senior years. Today, Eldon lives with his daughter and son-in-law in Arlington, Vermont.
Through his military service, decades of federal leadership, and lifelong dedication to research, Eldon has made a lasting contribution to his country. His story is a testament to a life of curiosity, commitment, and service—one we are honored to recognize through our We Honor Veterans program.
