News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Retired U.S. Naval Officer Reflects on Being a Veteran

Cdr. Wayne Hagan in 1975
U.S. Navy
Cdr. Wayne Hagan in 1975

By Todd Hatton

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-993422.mp3

Murray, KY – Poplar Bluff, MO native Wayne Hagan received his commission from the U.S. Navy in 1958. By 1969, he was serving as Executive Officer aboard the USS Hawkins, a destroyer deployed off the coast of Vietnam, where his ship provided fire support for U.S. ground troops, as well as navigational and rescue aid for naval aviators. After retiring with the rank of Captain, Hagan taught at St. Mary's in Paducah. This Veterans' Day, he speaks with Todd Hatton about what his experiences mean to him.