John Wesley Gheen was born in Hibbing, MN, the son of John and Mary Gheen and the oldest of three children. After graduating from Chisholm Senior High School in 1949, Wes had his eyes set on West Point and the opportunity to get a good college education. He spent the year after high school attending Hibbing Junior College where he earned the academic scores necessary to earn a spot in the West Point Class of 1954.
Wes was a natural fit for the structure, discipline, and cadet lifestyle in the Corps of Cadets. He had no grand illusions of how powerful or distinguished his military career might be; he only sought to do his absolute best in all cadet endeavors to meet the lofty expectations he had of himself. He devoted much time to academic studies and applied a work ethic not unlike his earlier years working for a local grocery store and as an under-age bartender (the start of his love for martinis!) in his hometown. He sported a healthy sense of humor but knew all too well that his appointment to West Point was a one-time opportunity that required his full attention in order to achieve his goal of graduating and commissioning as a second lieutenant. Arriving from Minnesota, it was not a surprise that he sought some role with the Army Hockey Team and eventually won a spot as that team’s manager. He was proud of his involvement with the team and enjoyed frequent reminiscing about it with his children and grandchildren.
Wes spoke often about his training experiences during cadet summer periods. The first class trip made an impression on him and greatly influenced his branch selection of Infantry prior to graduation. Few may know that he was actually considering entering the U.S. Air Force but that option ended abruptly after his first flight status eye examination.
Following graduation on Jun 8, 1954, and initial Infantry Officer School attendance, Wes’ career began with a four-and-one-half year assignment with the Second Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, WA. After a successful company command, he earned a position as Assistant Professor of Military Science in the University of Notre Dame’s Army ROTC program. As Vietnam continued to draw our Nation’s attention, Wes deployed with the first group of battalion advisors attached to the 7th Army Republic of Vietnam Division. Following his tour, he spent a short time at Fort Shafter, HI, with the USARPAC staff before returning to Vietnam as the Executive Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment in the 9th Infantry Division. The Army noticed his outstanding leadership abilities and selected him for battalion command. He assumed command of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment with the Big Red One at Fort Riley, KS. After assignments as the division G3 and attendance at the Army War College, Wes pinned on his colonel eagles and assumed the Chief of Staff position at Fort McClellan, AL. He led the installation through two major events during his tenure. First, he organized and supervised the execution of the Military Police Corps move from Fort Gordon to Fort McClellan. Second, he played a crucial role in closing out the Women’s Army Corps and providing support to the integration of women into the Regular Army. At every turn, Wes remained committed to the mission and to the men and women living and working in the community.
The pinnacle of his military career was as the Commander, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and the Military Community in Aschaffenburg, Germany. He was at home leading an Infantry organization that had a clear combat mission and was comprised of so many outstanding Soldiers and committed Army families. His active duty career drew to a close where it began twenty-eight years earlier at Fort Benning, GA, where he served as the Director of Training at the Infantry School. He retired on Nov 1, 1982.
Wes’ love of the Army and commitment to serve Soldiers steered him to the U.S. Soldiers and Airmen’s Home in Washington, DC, where he rose to the position of Deputy Governor. In this capacity he played a crucial role in guiding the establishment and maintenance of all facilities and services while recognizing the importance to communicating the tremendous value of the home to members of congress and other officials. He always promoted the veterans who lived and worked at the home. His sole purpose was to preserve their dignity and provide a safe and pleasant living environment where they could enjoy their retirement years. After five years, Wes retired from federal civilian service, earning the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. He moved with his wife Dolores to Jacksonville, FL, where they had lived since April of 1995. In retirement Wes remained committed to serving his community as a volunteer Ombudsman. His dedication to this role kept keen focus on the condition of long term care facilities in northeast Florida.
Wes is survived by his loving wife Dolores Gheen; his five children: Bonnie, Bill, Karen, Pam, and Lisa; his two sisters: Mary Greig of Coon Rapids, MN, and Joann Osmanson of Chisholm, MN; and seven grandchildren. The grandchildren and sons-in-law continue the military tradition as West Point graduates, Army ROTC graduates, and as cadets in both institutions. John Wesley Gheen was small in stature but a giant in character, integrity, and love for his family. Be Thou at Peace.