Lawson E. Barclay

Lawson is a retired Air Force pilot (26 years, served in Viet Nam), retired airline pilot (flew domestic and international routes), retired farmer, and retired Track/Cross Country coach. He and his wife have 3 children—one daughter with 3 grandchildren, two sons (both served in the Army, one still in the Army Reserve with deployments to Iraq & Afghanistan). Staying active (physically & mentally) and following/supporting the grandchildren’s activities are the primary focus. Lawson is a graduate of the USAF Academy with a BS in Chemistry and a MBA from Southern Illinois University/Edwardsville.

Lawson Barclay’s Winning Essay

“I am afraid that many Americans take our freedom for granted. Americans are privileged to live in the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave.’ Many assume that the freedoms that presently exist will continue far into the future.

Depending on one’s age, parents or grandparents served in the armed forces during WWII or worked on the home front to provide food and supplies for the war effort. Tom Brokaw labeled these men and women as ‘The Greatest Generation.’ This generation grew up during the Great Depression and went on to fight WWII or provide labor to produce materials for the war effort. Everyone contributed in one way or another.

My parents were part of that generation. Until Brokaw’s book, I characterized them as ‘old school.’ ” Click here to read the rest of Lawson’s Winning essay!

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