PARIS — Harry Buswell is the October Veteran of the Month at the Maine Veterans’ Home on High Street.

He was born in Lewiston and lived in Norway with his parents, one brother and three sisters before moving to Bethel where he graduated from Telstar High School. 

One of Buswell’s special memories is going on Sunday rides with his parents. “You never knew where we were going,” he said.

After graduation, he worked as a logger for two years before enlisting in the military. He served in the U.S. Air Force from February 1974 through January 1979. He served in Korea for one year, Germany for two years and then Illinois for the remainder of his military service.

Buswell also served in the National Guard for five years. While serving for the National Guard, he went to Guatemala for a month where he assisted in building roads and schools as a heavy equipment operator. He received the Good Conduct Medal for his service.

He said he would love to go back to Germany. “I enjoyed the country side, the people and their stories.” He said he’s glad he served his country and would do it again if he could.

Buswell was a long-haul truck driver following his military career.

He married his wife Wanda in 1992. He has three children, two step-children, five grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and one step-great-grandchild.

Buswell volunteered at the South Paris Fire Department for 30 years. He is also a member of the AMVETS and American Legion Post in Greenwood. He enjoys playing bingo, auto racing, hunting, fishing and outings. He enjoyed dancing at local country music halls with his wife.

Buswell came to the Maine Veterans’ Home in November 2016.

Harry Buswell