South County Profile: Don Wehunt

DON WEHUNT

Don Wehunt, of Anderson, grew up in the North State. After graduating from Anderson High School in 1966, Wehunt enrolled at Shasta College, but was soon drafted into the U.S. Navy. He served two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Arlington, which was a communications ship. He then spent one more tour in Vietnam aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, an aircraft carrier.

After returning from the Navy in 1968, Wehunt continued in the Navy Reserves while attending Shasta College receiving his Associates in Arts Degree in Automotive Mechanics and Refrigeration. After retiring from the Navy Reserves in 1971, Wehunt joined the United States Army Reserves and spent the next 20 years supporting that branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, retiring as a 1st Sergeant in 1994.

Afterwards, Wehunt worked at Soledad State Prison, Susanville Correctional Center and then continuing on to work in Nevada County at Washington Ridge Camp, taking inmates out on the fire line and making sure they didn't escape. He also enjoyed helping the inmates learn how to help themselves in life and get job in the prison to learn a trade before their release so they had the possibility of being successful.

"I always tried to treat the inmates equally and with respect," said Wehunt.

Wehunt also enjoyed taking the time to educate his fellow co-workers on the prison system and the things they might encounter in their job, and always spent time trying to be a good role model for them.

Wehunt retired from the correctional department in January of 2010. He is now the Commander of the Anderson VFW Post for the second time. His first time being Commander of the Anderson VFW was in 1977 and 1978. He regained his post on July 1 of 2010.

As commander, Wehunt oversees the arrangements for memorial services for military personnel, organizing and carrying out events such as fund-raisers, scholarships, Memorial Day and Veteran's Day celebrations, color guard services for different organizations and the day to day operations of the post.

Wehunt has been a member of the 670-member post for the past 42 years. Wehunt grew up in a military family, so it was natural for him to do the same.

"I have become a more humble person, now that I am retired. Going from 20 years in the Army Reserves, ten of which I was a drill sergeant, to working in a prison was a real experience," said Wehunt. "It also helped me set myself up for a good retirement."

Wehunt has been married to his wife Diana for fifteen years and has three children.

Name: Don Wehunt.

Born where and when: San Jose.

Occupation: Retired corrections officer and Commander of the Anderson VFW Post.

Marital Status: Married to my wife Diana for 15 years.

Family: Three Children, Patric 42, Davonne 40 and Dawnielle 35.

Pets: Two Yorkies, one Cockapoo, two geese, 14 ducks and some cows.

My worst job: I've never had a worst job.

My first job: Washing parts for my dad at Paul's Garage in Redding.

In my spare time I: Have a small four acre farm and raise cattle.

My favorite book: Anything by Louis L'Amour.

My favorite movie: I enjoy action movies.

My favorite recording artist: The Everly Brothers, Righteous Brothers and late 50's early 60's music.

My dream car: A new Dodge Charger.

My friends like me because: Of who I am. I never try to make myself who I'm not.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: Off of the island.

The one thing in life I've learned is: How to be fair, honest and to respect others.

The best advice my parents gave me: Pay your bills and respect others.

My most embarrassing moment: I have had my share of embarrassing moments.

My most irrational act: Drinking ant poison at three years old and having my stomach pumped.

My most valued material possession: My home. It has a beautiful view of Mt. Shasta, fruit trees and my animals.

What I like best about the North State: The open spaces, Shasta Lake and the Sierra Cascade Mountain Range.

My hero is: John Wayne.

My pet peeve is: People who do not follow through with what they say they will.

My fantasy is: To visit every state in the US before I die, including Canada.

If I could change one thing about myself, I would: Like to lose 10 pounds.

The one thing Shasta County needs most is: More jobs.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Waking up each morning.

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