HONORING A VETERAN, submitted by Jerry Herrman.
Have you met the eighth oldest living Coast Guard aviator? You can spot him wearing his straw hat slowly and determinedly walking along Pavlov Avenue each morning.
That is Leslie D. High, one of the many dedicated early morning walkers in University City. He is a 91 year-old widower who moved with his family to UC upon retirement from the Coast Guard in 1975. A 1946 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, Les served 29 years, retiring as a captain.
He describes his career as “an unbelievable, rewarding, and challenging life”. Among his outstanding achievements was serving as project officer building the Coast Guard Air Station in Mobile, Alabama in 1966, where a street is named after him. Shortly thereafter he became the chief training and recruiting officer for the Coast Guard. At the Coast Guard Aviation Association meeting in San Diego last month, Les was recognized for his exemplary service.
Although his 29 years of service were remarkable and fulfilling, Les considers his 66 year marriage to his wife Carol, a nurse, the most meaningful event of his life. “Although it took me seven years to get her to marry me, she gave me a perfect life, which was ‘heaven on earth’ our whole time together. We raised five wonderful children”.
When they reached age 65, Les and Carol began walking for their health three miles daily, which continued for 18 years until Carol passed away three years ago. Les is an example of the many UC residents who came here, loved the area, and decided to stay for the duration.
If you are out early and happen to see Les walking in the neighborhood, be sure to say hello, and thank him for his service to our country.
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