Celebrating Veterans: Terry Yon

On this Veterans Day, we honor the incredible journey of Terry Yon, a distinguished military veteran who retired in 1996 as a Colonel in the U.S. Army.


Terry's story is one of dedication and service, spanning three decades in the U.S. military. He served his country with unwavering commitment, including his service in the Vietnam War. He displayed remarkable versatility, achieving dual ratings in airplanes and helicopters, showcasing his exceptional skills and adaptability.

Later in his military career, Terry managed transportation in military ports across the nation. It was during his time at the military Port of Oakland, California, where he made a significant impact as the Commander. The Gulf War had just concluded, and the port was inundated with massive containers, and a huge amount of returning war equipment, presenting a logistical challenge of unprecedented proportions. Amidst this chaos, Terry's leadership shone as he and his team meticulously sorted through the containers, a task that would take months, if not years.

It was at this port that Terry's path crossed with another extraordinary figure, Janet. Janet Sinclair Yon, worked for the U.S. Government in various capacities for 23 years and 18 overseas in Europe.  Janet became a vocal customer at the port, anxiously awaiting her cargo amid the sea of containers. Their paths initially converged professionally, with Janet consistently inquiring about her shipments. It was not until Terry's staff decided to play matchmaker and seated them together at a dinner event that their journey began.

After Terry's retirement, the couple relocated to Cocoa, Florida, near Terry's elderly parents, where they enjoyed a peaceful retirement. Terry devoted his time to the Warbird Museum, where he volunteered extensively, sharing his passion for military planes from WWI to the present day. Janet, on the other hand, discovered her true calling with GALS (Guardians at Law), now known as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), where she became an advocate for the well-being of children in foster care, a role she found profoundly fulfilling.
As they approached their next chapter in life, they sought a cooler climate and cultural richness, eventually leading them to the historic and picturesque Ardsley Park.

This month we are celebrating all of our Veterans and the heroic courage and sacrifices that each member of our military and their families give every day. We salute Terry Yon and his incredible journey of service to our nation.