Mister Gary Hines, a distinguished veteran of the U.S. Air Force, shared his remarkable military journey during a recent government meeting. Enlisting in 1959, Hines transitioned from a maintenance technician to a combat crew tail gunner on B-52 bombers, playing a crucial role during the Vietnam War. He was part of a select group of 25 sergeants trained for air commando operations, famously naming their aircraft \"Puff the Magic Dragon.\"

Hines flew 185 missions in Vietnam, earning three Distinguished Flying Cross medals and six Air Medals for his heroism, particularly in support of South Korean marines. After a year in Vietnam, he returned to the 337th Heavy Bomb Squadron but opted to leave the Air Force when ordered back to combat.

Following his military service, Hines became an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Agency, where he was on duty during the September 11 attacks in 2001, coordinating the safe landing of aircraft in a chaotic environment. He retired in 2002 but soon returned to flying with the Civil Air Patrol in Winston Salem.

Now a member of the Davie County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 75, Hines expressed gratitude for the community's support and shared his appreciation for the work of local officials. His story serves as a testament to the dedication and resilience of veterans, highlighting their ongoing contributions to society.