ANAHEIM, Calif.–Former WesCorp CEO Richard Myles Johnson was honored during an Anaheim Ducks NHL game for his 30-year military career, during which he earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart and rose to the rank of general.
The hockey team has a long tradition of recognizing at its home games those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. CU Direct President and CEO Tony Boutelle nominated Johnson for this honor.
During a brief break in the game against the Minnesota Wild the announcer shared just a fraction of Mr. Johnson’s illustrious and varied military exploits, decorations, and awards. Meanwhile photos of him as well as video of him in the stands (accompany by the Ducks’ mascot, Wild Wing) were shown on the large four-sided scoreboard display screens.
Johnson was joined at the game by Boutelle and his wife, Kathy; California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues President and CEO Diana Dykstra; and SchoolsFirst FCU President and CEO Bill Cheney and his wife Chrissy.
“I was not sure what to expect, but nothing in my wildest imagination could have prepared me for that spectacle,” Johnson wrote in an e-mail to Boutelle, according to the California and Nevada leagues. “I have received a number of awards in my lifetime—some of them very prestigious. And although there was no award, as such, last night, the recognition was beyond belief. … The entire event was a lifetime memory for me.
“Watching those excited, happy young spectators reminded me that they were probably the reason I had attended my three wars. I guess I have lost my ability to call myself a ‘mud Marine.’ But what a way to lose it,” he added.
Xceed Financial CU Vice President of Human Resources Courtney Lynch was among those within the credit union industry who attended the game, and videotaped the event. Click here to view the video.