Clayton County Senior Services February Veteran of the Month

Clayton County Senior Services February Veteran of the Month

Airman Donald Merkison

Donald Merkison was born on September 4, 1940, in Bainbridge, GA, to Elmer and Elsie Mae Merkison. On February 15, 1960, Donald Merkison raised his right hand and joined the Air Force as a Basic Airman in Montgomery, Alabama.

Basic Airman Merkison was assigned to the 1507th Support Squadron and was sent to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, where he completed the Aircraft Mechanic Engineering Course. In addition, Basic Airman Merkison completed the Specialty Vehicle Repair Course, both of which would serve him well after his service. On February 1, 1961, after completing school, Basic Airman Merkison was promoted to Airman.

Airman Merkison would continue his studies until being deployed in support of the US effort in Vietnam. Airman Merkison and the 1507th Support Squadron were deployed to the island of Guam, where they would repair combat and other support aircraft throughout the conflict. Airman Merkison quickly gained the respect and confidence of his crew and commanding officers.

Towards the end of his year-long deployment in Guam, his commanding officer fell gravely ill and was transferred back to the United States. His commanding officer requested that Airman Merkison be allowed to escort his wife and two young children back to the United States. In recognition of his service to his country and his commanding officer, Airman Merkison was granted and honorable discharge from the Air Force on January 21, 1964, at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California.

In 1967, Donald moved his wife, Jackie, to Clayton County when he began work at Delta Airlines as an aircraft mechanic, where he would later retire after 26 years of dedicated service. In retirement, Donald continued to repair anything that you could drive or fly. In addition, Donald possessed a passion for woodworking and was a faithful servant of Liberty Baptist Church in College Park, GA, and later in Fayetteville, GA, where his wife Jackie, has served as the financial secretary for nearly 50 years.

For more than 58 years, the Merkison family has called Clayton County home, and Donald built a life of service to his family, community, his church, and his country. In recognition of a life of service that he passed along through his family, who have totaled more than four decades in the Clayton County Fire Service, we are proud to recognize Airman Donald Merkison as the Veteran of the Month for February 2025.

Thank you for your service!