General Officer Wayne Barton – US Army

1982-

Each Veterans Day, we honor those who served in the armed forces such as 50-year-old Durham resident Wayne Barton. He grew up in North Carolina and joined the Army in 1982 when he was just 18 years old. As a general officer, Barton trained new soldiers in basic training. He wore blue stripes on his army uniform, which meant he taught soldiers who fought on the land. When asked what advice he had for young men and women thinking of joining the armed forces, he said, “They should go for it. It will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.” He also added that being in the Army builds character.

Barton says that his greatest achievement was how well his group in the Army worked together and bonded like a family. “When you’re away from home for that long, you need someone to talk to. The people around you know what you’re going through,” he said.

Wayne Barton is now a father of two, Jacob who recently applied to the National Guard and me. He said that he’s proud of Jacob and encourages any other young, brave men or women to get involved in the military. Barton lives in Connecticut with his two children and wife and works at Jackson Chevrolet as a service advisor.