John Shoen Visits Wellington, Gives Talk on Military

Tuesday, March 12th, citizens of Wellington gathered in the Fair Building to listen to the experiences of John Schoen, a retired member of the military. Mr. Schoen served for 28 years in the military, 25 of which were spent in the Army. Before that time, though, Mr. Schoen served in the Old Guard. 

What is the Old Guard? According to its mission statement, it is "the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance.” The things that Shoen experienced were nothing short of incredible during his time in the Old Guard. From meeting former President Reagan, carrying the casket of The Unknown Soldier, attending the “Tear Down That Wall!” speech, and traveling America, his experiences are abundant.

Although the talk was mainly about the Old Guard, as that is what he was asked to speak about, the other assignments he was given were more impactful to him as a person and were so profound that I believe that they are important to share. Shoen states, “In Berlin as a captain, I commanded an infantry company facing the Russians across the Berlin Wall at the height of the Cold War.  I learned a lot about tactical troop leading, geopolitical maneuvering, and international relations.” Shoen has also been a part of history in a major way, serving at places during important historical events. “I think the main takeaway for me is how blessed and fortunate I had been to have been a part of history on numerous occasions.” Serving in West Point exposed him to countless world leaders, Old Guard covered the Tomb of the Unknowns, and he was there during The Berlin Wall speech and shaped history during his deployments to Haiti, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 

Shoen has seen countless cultures, been around the world, and met many different personalities. “Working for NATO in Naples, Italy was another lesson in different cultures and lifestyles.  I had an important job that supervised numerous officers from other countries.  It was hard not to stereotype when you consistently see officers from particular countries react in the same predictable ways.  My three years in NATO showed me the importance of the U.S. military on world order.” Below is a breakdown of where he was deployed for over 20 years. 

Wellington as a community came out to support Mr. Shoen, to thank him for his service, and to learn more about the inside of our military. He gave a new perspective to the military experience because he was a part of something that not every soldier gets to do- be a part of the ceremonial Old Guard. Veterans, active members, and those not in the military all showed up to listen to his story, including young potential military men and women. “I’m not in the recruiting business but I have told a number of kids (and their parents) that the military provides awesome opportunities to see the world, do cool and impactful things, and meet people and cultures that will make you a better person in the long run,” Shoen says. “On the practical side, the military also provides outstanding support to its members both while in uniform and after.  The pay and benefits for active members are unparalleled and the support continues after you leave the military.”