Ron Hegdahl | U.S. Air Force

Ron Hegdahl was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it was there that he grew to love planes. As a child, he was always building model airplanes, gluing tiny pieces together, painting them, and then going to swap meets and meetings.

Although his father had joined the Army, he dreamt of joining the Air Force. Graduating from high school at 17, he couldn’t wait to enlist. He attempted to enroll but was denied because he was too young. He said waiting that whole year was “agonizing,” but at 18, he officially joined.

Ron loved the armed forces. He spent six years stationed in Texas and described the experience as fun. He said boot camp was his favorite because he had never shot a gun before. He also said that by the time he enrolled in 1957/58, women were beginning to get involved, too, and he thought that was “quite spectacular.”

Ron was an aircraft mechanic. While stationed in Texas, he studied and worked on B-52s and B-47s. At that time, they were the up-and-coming aircraft, and everyone was very excited about them. As Ron remembers, “they were going to be the future!”

After 6 years, Ron left the service, but continued to work for the government in the IRS wage and investment division. He was very proud to serve our country and continue his work in government.

Ron now lives a happy life at The Arbors, where he enjoys socializing with peers, reading books, and playing cards.