#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran G. C. Kirkland

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran G. C. “Bud” Kirkland. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1977

Bud joined the Marines in 1954 at the age of 16. He soon earned a warrant officer commission. Bud served a post war tour in Korea and two twelve-month tours in Vietnam, where he earned a battlefield commission to 2^nd lieutenant. He was among the last Marines out of Khe Sanh. For his service, Bud received the Bronze Star with Valor, Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Medal, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal.

At the time of his retirement, Bud had attained the rank of major. He went on to work for Atlantic Research as the manager of the Tomahawk Program and was later promoted to Vice President. He enjoyed fly-fishing and helping other Veterans. He volunteered for Wounded Warrior Project at Boulder Crest Retreat in Bluemont, VA.

He lived in Warrenton, VA and was a devoted to his wife for more than 40 years.

Bud passed away on November 4, 2016.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/his service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Paola Betancourt: Paola is a Writing & Rhetoric Major at the University of Central Florida. She currently freelances as a graphic designer and copy editor