Vietnam Combat Pilot Veteran retires from National Guards

Vietnam Veteran Combat Chopper Pilot Retires
The State (Columbia, S.C.)
by John Monk
Jan 06, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- More than 150 people turned out Sunday to bid a fond and formal goodbye to Command Chief Warrant Officer Eric Seymore, who with 43 years in the military, is the last Vietnam War combat helicopter pilot in the S.C. National Guard.

Seymore was a legend both to his superiors, who depended on his multiple expertises, and to those who served under him, who regarded him as an inspiration and a mentor, said speakers at the hour-plus ceremony at the Guard's headquarters off Bluff Road.

Seymore, 61, was one of those "who would do extra of whatever was required of them," the Guard's No. 2 commanding officer, Maj. Gen. Les Eisner said in a speech.

Sunday's tributes to Seymore included an affectionate mix of homage to his wife of 40 years, Peggy, who endured numerous separations while he was on military duty, praise for Seymore's work ethic and mentoring abilities, and jokes about Clemson (he graduated in 1976) and age (few serve into their 60s as Seymore did)

Seymore was also given three statuettes -- of an American Revolutionary War Minute Man, a bald eagle and golden eagle.
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