Navy veteran of Korea, Vietnam and Cold War honored as ‘Hero of the Month'
'See this, see this kid right here? That's you? That's me,' Len Deemer said, pointing to a tattered picture from his childhood, showing him wearing a sailor's uniform.
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He was destined for a life at sea. Deemer spent 33 years in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean, Vietnam and Cold Wars. Deemer was assigned to aircraft carriers and a slew of other ships and planes, serving as a nuclear weapons bombardier navigator.
'I was the naval flight officer, and I sat next to the pilot,' Deemer told FOX31.
Ships and aircraft have always been his life. He was awarded the Air Medal in Vietnam for meritorious achievement in aerial flight and was even assigned for a while to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Deemer retired from the Navy as a commander, and if not for his age — he's 88 — and his health — he's battled some chronic issues related to his service — he'd probably still be in the Navy, if they'd have him.
'Well, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it,' Deemer said.
His service to the community and country continued when he worked for the city of Lakewood and helped with the Sea Cadet Program at what was then Buckley Air Force Base.
'The Navy League has a program for kids from 11 to 17,' he said.
For Deemer, there's no greater calling than giving back.
'You know, nothing (else) really matters. I mean, you accept everything. Yeah, it's just the job. It's just a job,' Deemer said.
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For a guy who's been giving his whole life, we wanted to give something. That's why we've named Len Deemer the FOX31 Hero of the Month for June 2025. The initiative is sponsored by American Furniture Warehouse, Plumbline Services and the Leo Hill Charitable Trust.
To nominate a veteran or active-duty service member for our Hero of the Month honors, visit the nomination page.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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