#617 George Chester Navy Veteran; 12 Mar 2026

The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices · Mar 12, 2026 · 56m

George Chester grew up in Poteau, Oklahoma, where he enjoyed a good childhood rooted in small-town values. In 1954, after finishing school, he chose to serve his country by joining the United States Navy, training as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate. After completing his initial enlistment, George decided to step away from military life — but it didn’t take long for him to realize the Navy was where he belonged. He reenlisted and continued building his career in naval aviation. Over time, he became a loadmaster with a C-130 squadron, logging countless hours flying in and out of Vietnam. His role…