This past Friday the Solon Spartans held Armed Forces Night as part of the annual rivalry game with Mount Vernon. One tradition of the night is recognizing a Solon veteran as the Honored Veteran of the Game, who service to our country and community stands out as going above and beyond the call of duty. This year’s recipient was Retired United States Army Major John Proe, who was escorted by his wife BJ.
A native of New Jersey, John Proe graduated from the Citadel Military Academy in 1959 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles”. Among his many achievements during his career, John’s proudest was earning his Combat Medic certification, even more so than his Airborne Ranger certification.
During a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969, John served as the Senior Medical Advisor to the 4th Vietnamese Corps’ Surgeon General. His role included participating in hundreds of helicopter medical rescue missions into hostile battle situations to evacuate wounded personnel.
Throughout his distinguished military career, John received numerous commendations and medals, including, the Bronze Star Medal with V for Valor plus an Oak Leaf Cluster, Four-Air Medals with Valor, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Valor with a Palm Leaf, the Vietnam Honor Medal 1st Class. the Vietnam Civic Action Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
John was medically retired in 1973 due to longterm effects from injuries sustained while serving in Vietnam. Despite being classified as 100% Combat Disabled, John achieved remarkable success as a civilian. He earned a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from Baylor University and a PhD in Organizational Studies from the University of Iowa. John went on to teach for 18 years as a professor at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA, where he achieved the status of Professor Emeritus.
Six years ago, John and his wife BJ moved to Solon to be closer to their daughter Jessica. Since then, he has been a fixture in Solon motoring around town on his electric wheelchair. An active member of Post 460, John wants to express his love for the community and the people of Solon.