Our Neighbors, Our Veterans
Honoring the Sugar Mill Pond neighbors who answered the call to serve our country.
This Veterans Day, we are proud to recognize the veterans who call Sugar Mill Pond home. Their photographs and stories represent different military branches, generations, and experiences, but they are united by a shared commitment to something greater than themselves.
For some, military service shaped the direction of a career. For others, it provided lessons in leadership, discipline, teamwork and perseverance that continue to influence their lives today. Each resident featured here carries a unique story of responsibility, sacrifice and pride.
Amanda and Matthew Weber, who each served more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, also remind us that service involves the entire family.
“Military service is both an honor and a significant commitment for the entire family,” they shared. “We carry a deep sense of pride in serving our country, but also the memories of long separations, missed milestones, and the constant uncertainty that comes with deployments and moves.”
They added that military service is more than a job. It is a way of life that shapes one’s understanding of community, responsibility and freedom.
“When you see us as your neighbors, know that we value this community deeply, because having supportive, understanding neighbors is part of what makes all those years of service worthwhile.”
As neighbors, we may pass one another on a morning walk or gather at community events without knowing the remarkable experiences represented within our own neighborhood. To every veteran in Sugar Mill Pond, including those featured here and those whose stories have yet to be shared, thank you for your service.
Matt Blackwell
Warrant Officer | U.S. Marine Corps | 2000-2010
Served as a warrant officer in the United States Marine Corps.
John C. Carlton
U.S. Army and Louisiana Army National Guard | 1984–1990
Served with the 82nd Airborne Division, 5th Infantry Division, and 159th M.A.S.H.
Edward Chittenden
U.S. Army | 1969–1971
Served in the United States Army.
Colleen Eckelberger
U.S. Army and California Army National Guard
Served in the United States Army and California Army National Guard.
John Fox
Specialist | U.S. Army and Louisiana Army National Guard | 1988–1994
Served with a combat engineer battalion, with assignments at Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; and Fort Polk, Louisiana. His service included deployment during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, with time spent in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait.
Bill Fuhrer
Sergeant | U.S. Air Force | 1966–1970
Served with the Strategic Air Command as a member of the SAC Elite Guard and SAC Elite Guard Drill Team. He also participated in military funerals.
Ron Gayler
Captain | U.S. Army | 1968–1972
Served as a helicopter pilot with the 1st Cavalry Division. His active-duty service included a deployment to Vietnam from 1970 to 1971.
Cedric Johnson
Sergeant, E-5 | U.S. Marine Corps | 1956–1959
Served with VMFA-122, Marine Aircraft Group 32.
Ervin Richard
Private First Class, E-3 | U.S. Army | 1954–1957
Served as a radio operator with the 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles.”
Trevor Richard
Lieutenant | U.S. Army and Louisiana Army National Guard | 1989–2002
Gulf War veteran who served with the 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment and the 812th Medical Company.
Bryan Sellers
Sergeant, E-5 | Louisiana Army National Guard
Served as a squad leader in the Louisiana Army National Guard.
Amanda M. Weber
U.S. Air Force | 1998–2018
Served for 20 years in the United States Air Force.
Matthew J. Weber
U.S. Air Force | 1995–2016
Served for 21 years in the United States Air Force.