Veteran Spotlight - Ken Lavigne

I enlisted in the Air Force in 1976. It had recently been an all volunteer military as the draft had ended. For me, it was a choice, not something I had to do. I was assigned the job of Flight Simulator Technician. That was a great job for me, as I was always interested in aviation as well as electronics. And you had to learn and be good at both of those for this job.

I was assigned to a simulator for C-141 transport aircraft which is the smaller brother to the C5 Galaxy. The cockpit was a full size 100% mockup of the actual aircraft complete with motion and visuals. It was used to train pilots in both basic aircraft operation as well as safely training for emergency situations.

We had to learn almost as much about how to fly the plane as the pilots since we had to know when a problem developed or was fixed to operate with 100% accuracy. If we don't know how to fly it, we don't know that it's fixed right.

 We jokingly called it our $10,000,000 toy. It was a lot of fun to fly.

I did not have to fight anywhere. When I was in, it was the late 70's there were no conflicts. The Vietnam War had just been over for a couple of years at that point and America had it's fill of war.

I was originally born and raised in the Albany NY area. During my military time, I was stationed in NJ for a time. 

It was there that I met someone involved in dentistry and we became friends. We started a software business providing software that helped the dentist and hygienist perform periodontal screening exams.

That software was sold to Prodentec here in Batesville. I came with the software. I told them I would come for 3-5 years. That was back in 1990.

I met and married a local girl and have 2 wonderful grown children who were both born and raised here.

This is all a direct result of enlisting back in 1976. So yes, the military was the best thing I could have done for my future and wellbeing. Despite the issues of today, I still think it would help just about everyone to be part of that family.

You learn a lot of different things from it.

I am a senior Software Engineer. I have been with Lifeplus/Prodentec for well over 30 years

For me, Celebrate America means that we should all love and respect our country which for me is the best country on earth. You truly can be whoever or whatever you want to be if you're willing to put in the work.

We also should remember all the people who gave their lives for our right to do that. It didn't come freely or without cost. Some had to pay more than others.

We are also blessed with the best rights and laws to show our acceptance as well as displeasure peacefully. That sets us apart from most other countries.

I have been to some other countries both good and bad. And in all cases I was always glad to be back on American soil and the feeling of being "safe" again.

I have attended it every year it has been celebrated except those few years I just couldn't attend. Those can be counted on 1 hand.

My favorite part is definitely the fireworks. I also enjoy seeing the large crowds of people young and all enjoying the experience. 

My least favorite part is trying to get home afterwards :)

I'm pretty laid back for it. I don't spend the day there anymore. That's more for the younger crowd.

I fly my flag proudly.

I usually have a cookout. Sometimes it's with family and sometimes it's not. It's always a good day though.