Walter ‘Bud’ Guest: G.I. Bill Means No Bills

By Marilyn Lucas, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

Walter “Bud” Guest was born in Philadelphia. After graduation from high school Bud was encouraged by one of his teachers to apply to the US Coast Guard Academy. He was accepted in 1968, right out of high school, with a full scholarship to attend the Academy. Boot camp for these beginning students starts the summer after graduation from high school. Bud had the opportunity to train on the USCGC Eagle — The Coast Guard training baroque, a three-masted sailing ship which served as a floating classroom for cadets and officer candidates. It is the largest tall ship flying the American flag and is homeported in New London, Connecticut. The primary function of the ship is to train Coast Guard officers in leadership, teamwork, and seamanship by handling sails, lines, and rigging. Bud exclaimed “quite an adventure climbing to the top of the 147-foot foremast.” During a 2 1/2 week summer cruise on the Eagle, Bud had the opportunity to sail through the Panama Canal. On their return trip they had an unusual encounter with a civilian ship. Walt Disney just happened to be sailing the open seas and asked to board the Eagle.  The invitation was extended to Mr. Disney and the crew had the opportunity to spend three days sailing with Walt Disney on board. 

This ensign graduated with honors and went on to fulfill his obligation of five years of service. His first assignment was to serve on the US Coast Guard cutter Roger B. Taney, which was homeported in Alameda, California, before deploying to the waters of Vietnam for combat operations. The Taney was a high endurance cutter, famously known for being the last war ship which fought in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Taney took part in “Operation Market Time“ in an effort to interdict the flow of illegal arms and supplies destined for enemy forces along the coast of South Vietnam. Their mission was to seek out boats, which were disguised as fishing boats, transporting arms and supplies. The Taney also provided Naval gunfire support in an attempt to prevent enemy infiltration along the coastal route used by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. The crew of the Taney provided medical assistance to thousands of Vietnamese civilians during its deployment.  

While the mission of the cutter was multifaceted, Bud’s assignment was strictly engineering. His main assignment was to maintain mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems of the vessel in combat zones. This first assignment served as Bud’s internship. The crew served a three-week duty and then R&R for 5 to 6 days.  The ship would travel around for those six days visiting various countries. “Join the Navy and see the world.“ Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore are some of the many places Bud was able to visit.  Interesting sidenote, the Taney after being decommissioned in 1986 has served as a museum ship at the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, Maryland. The ship has been designated a national historic landmark. 

After two years Bud was transferred to the Unimax ship in New Jersey for another two-year tour. Lieutenant 0-3 Walter Guest served as training officer for reservists during their two-week active duty. During this time Bud was selected to go to the University of Illinois for a masters in civil engineering. This was a very high honor as only 5 were chosen. For every year of grad school you are required to serve two more years of service.  While this required four more years of active duty, Bud received his Masters tuition free a bonus for his service to our country. 1973 proved to be a momentous year for Bud. Not only did Bud receive his Masters degree that year, but also met his future wife, Mary, on a blind date arranged by an old Coast Guard Academy friend. Mary and Bud were later married in Winnetka at Saints Faith, Hope, and Charity Catholic Church. 

Bud went on to Seattle, Washington, to serve out his four years required after attaining his masters in civil engineering. His duties were to oversee the construction and oversight of lighthouses, stations, and piers. As a point of interest, the United States lighthouse service was merged into the Coast Guard in 1939, thus making them responsible for the maintenance and operation of all US lighthouses. While in Seattle, always seeking to further his education, Bud took the opportunity to attend Seattle University on the G.I. Bill and attain his Masters of Business.

In 1980 Bud was found by a headhunter, while working for the Gilbane company in marketing. McCarthy Building Company, one of the top 10 largest US construction companies based in St. Louis solicited Bud. Bud was a major contributor to this company from 1980 to 2008. He retired as a Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing. 

The importance of education certainly permeates Bud’s entire family. His son David is a high school teacher. His daughter Laura and son Mark both graduated from Notre Dame and St. Louis University Law school. Bud and Mary have six grandchildren. Bud, who is currently retired, is a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, (where is responsible for running benefits for the Saint Alphonsus Church), and Coast Guard Combat Veterans.  Ever vigilant in his public service Bud has been the Alderman for the city of Frontenac, Missouri for eight years. He recently attended his 50-year reunion for the Coast Guard Academy. Bud still maintains relationships with former classmates. Along with his many organizations, Bud finds the time to volunteer two days a week teaching math at Loyola Academy middle school. He has received the Father Arrupe Award, for volunteer of the year. Bud spent several years working with underprivileged children to help them reach their full potential academically. Only recently, Bud and Mary moved to Chicago to be closer to their children and grandchildren. 

Bud, unlike so many Vietnam vets, was able to come home proudly wearing his uniform. As he stated “I served my country and it served me, as I received three degrees via the G.I. Bill”. In his appreciation for the opportunity to receive such an extensive education Bud has found a way to “Give Back” to those less fortunate through his work at the Loyola Academy.

Thank you Bud for your one and a half years of volunteer work Honor Flight Chicago. I know our vets enjoy your birthday cards.