Klinglers share tales from their marriage while on active duty

News Top Stories Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp LIMA — For command pilot Don Klingler, true love story isn’t always about romance but devotion to the country. Mr. and Mrs. Klingler were the featured speakers at Tuesday’s Kiwanis Club meeting, which emphasized the importance of Veteran’s Day. From 1953 to 1983, Don Klingler served for 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, with key roles during those times. Don Klingler has many accomplishments throuhout his career, such as being a command pilot with Marine Helicopter Squadron One for both presidents at the time, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon. “I went to be a flight instructor in the Penascola area,” he said. One fact that perked the ears of the audience was Don Klingler’s famous student. “I am proud to claim that one of my star students was Buzz Aldrin,” he said. “In those days, they were prepping these guys for moon landing and the moon landing vehicles.” An audience member asked him about his Ohio State story. “At the time, Vice President Spiro Agnew wanted to go to an Ohio State football game,” Klinger said. “I had to land at the then-open south end of the Ohio Stadium. When we landed, a group of Vietnam protesters starting swarming us, so Agnew stuck his head into the cockpit and said, ‘Did you gentlemen fly in Vietnam?’, which we answered yes. ‘I’d like for you to take off like you did in Vietnam.” He then explained how the helicopter does a Vietnam-style takeoff. Bringing a downdraft of about 100 mph, many of the signs and clothing from protesters flew away. “The next day, Columbus Dispatch was not too happy with Marine One, but we didn’t get fired. After all, the vice president told us to,” Klinger said. His wife, Joan Klingler, said what it was like to be a military wife. “It was not what I dreamed of when I was growing up, but we were going to be doing this for two years, and it ended up being 28 more. But that was OK because I really loved moving. I loved meeting new people,” Joan Klingler said. His wife talked about some stories she had with him, such as going to the White House’s Christmas dinner and her daughter leaving a stuffed animal on President Nixon’s bed. “You get such love for this country when you see these ceremonies,” she said. Joan Klingler said how she stayed in touch with her husband throughout the years when he was in active duty. “We did write letters, we sent tapes. Cassettes were the popular thing in the ’60s and ’70s. So, we sent cassettes everyday, taped everything we did. Piano lessons, football games, Boy Scouts stuff, and taped everything to sent it to Don everyday. I never missed a day.” Other veterans within the club spoke on their career memories and were given plaques from Kiwanis as a token of appreciation for serving the country. Reach Sophia Fields at 567-242-0451. Featured Local Savings