The U.S. Army had a multifaceted talent among their ranks with the enlistment of Douglas Phelps.
Originally from Kentucky, Douglas decided to follow in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in the Army. He underwent Basic Training at Fort Bliss in Texas and served as a Specialist in mechanical work. Douglas served three separate times between 1968 and 1983. Aside from Vietnam and Korea, Douglas was also stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Eustis in Virginia, Fort Hood in Texas, and Fort Sill in Oklahoma. His mechanical work included defense acquisition radars, aircraft power plants, and various automobiles.
After being medically discharged due to the development of diabetes from Vietnam, Douglas relocated his home to Tennessee. His passion outside of the military was always playing the guitar, which he was able to better refine during his transition back to civilian life. He was also able to take up a civilian career as an appliance repairman and locksmith. However, that transition wasn’t entirely pleasant. Douglas also realized that he sustained a serious case of Post-Traumatic Stress during his military career, making it difficult to handle loud noises.
Douglas has become wheelchair-bound due to a stroke that occurred four years ago, and struggles continuously with nightmares and basic cognitive function. Thankfully, Douglas receives constant support from his wife and daughter.
Purple Heart Homes will be going into the Phelps’ home to make it entirely handicap accessible, which will include repairing their wheelchair ramp, widening their bathroom doorway, and renovating their bathtub. Thank you for your many years of service, Douglas. We welcome you and your entire family to our Purple Heart Homes family!
