Culver Academies Instructor honored for service to Regiment, Nation

01/12/12 The famed 506^th Airborne Infantry Regiment (the “Currahees”) of the 101^st Airborne Division today honored a local educator for his service to the Regiment.  In ceremonies at Fort Campbell, Major(Ret) John T. Duckett, III of Plymouth was inducted as a Distinguished Member of the Regiment.

The DMOR designation is awarded to past and present soldiers whose services to the regiment and the nation have earned them the respect of their peers.  It recognizes exceptional military service as well as accomplishment and service later in life in support of the 506th Regiment.

The presentation was made by COL Sean Jenkins, Commander of the Regiment, and the Regimental Command Sergeant Major, CSM William R. Hambrick Jr. The award certificate reads:

“In recognition of his special place in regimental continuity, tradition and esprit de corps, by Order of the Secretary of the Army, Major (R) John T. Duckett is granted and assigned the distinction of Distinguished Member of the 506th Infantry Regiment.”

Duckett was recognized for his service while serving as an infantry platoon leader and company commander for B Co., 1/506 Infantry in Vietnam and for his subsequent support for the Regiment and its soldiers as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the 506^th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association since 2006.  He also served with the 1^st Air Cavalry Division and 3^rd Infantry Division before retiring from the service. His decorations included the Bronze Star (V), Purple Heart, Air Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Master Parachutist (1 BS) wings.  The award noted his leadership of the Association during a period of rapid expansion, his work with active duty troops of the 506^th after they were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan; his tireless efforts enhancing unit morale and providing support through his leadership in the Association and his efforts to provide for needs for individual soldiers wounded in action and the families of soldiers killed in action.

Following his military service Duckett, who holds a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University, went on to a successful career in education. He currently serves as Chairman of the Leadership Department and swimming coach at The Culver Academies. He lives with his wife, Julia.