PARIS — Robert Poliquin is the Veteran of the Month at Maine Veterans Home.

Poliquin, fondly known as “Gunny” by all those who know him, was born on March 31, 1934 in Berlin, Coos County, N.H. At the beginning of World War II, when he was about 8 years old, Gunny became interested in the Marine Corp. and planned to join when he got old enough. After spending two years in the National Guard right after graduation from Berlin High School in 1952, Gunny fulfilled that dream and entered the Marine Corp. He completed boot camp at Paris Island and reported to his first duty station at Quantico, Va. He attended Auto Mechanics School at Ft. Dix, N.J., and began a career that lasted 23 years.

While serving, Gunny married his wife of 56 years in 1953 and started a family that consisted of one girl and two boys. His family was able to travel with him to all of his duty stations, one of which was four years in Hawaii. Prior to his being stationed in Hawaii, he and his family were able to make a cross country trip from New England to the west coast. They were able to make the trip again when they returned from Hawaii through California. He spent three years of his service as a career advisor and recruiter in Maine.

Gunny also spent a tour of duty in Vietnam serving in I-Core, Da Nang Province. He served as the road master for a truck company and made sure everyone got to their destination. He received a certificate of Commendation Meritorious Mast.

After serving as motor transport chief with the rank of Gunnery Sargent he was honorably discharged in 1975. He received several commendations including, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, 6 Stars, Rifle Expert badge, Pistol Expert badge, RVN AFMUC Cross of Gallantry with palm and frame, National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal and Vietnamese Service Medal with Star.

He brought his family back to Maine and took a job as maintenance engineer at Ramada Inn in Lewiston. Having honed his firearm experience in the military he found a love of participating in target practicing, cowboy shooting competitions and reloading ammunition in his retirement. This love also translated to hunting and fishing after retiring in Maine.

He is most proud of his 15 grand- and great-grandchildren. Four of the oldest grandchildren have served in the Marines, Navy and Army. The oldest son, Robert Jr., also retired from the Air Force and his son Boots works in the State Dept.