A Life of Service: The Story of Donald A. Girouard

Roots in Louisiana

Donald A. Girouard’s story begins in southern Louisiana, where he spent much of his early life moving from place to place because of his father’s work as a truck driver. His family ties stretched between Louisiana and Arkansas, and though his childhood was nomadic, he eventually attended high school in Alexandria. In 1968, just after graduation, he made a life-changing decision: he joined the United States Marine Corps.

At the time, America was deeply engaged in the Vietnam War. With the urgent demand for soldiers, Girouard’s boot camp lasted only eight weeks instead of the usual twelve. By that summer, he was fully trained and preparing for the realities of combat.

Vietnam: A Year of Uncertainty and Survival

From January to December 1969, Girouard served in Vietnam, where combat was relentless and unpredictable. Driving a jeep between bases like Landing Zone Baldy and Da Nang, he often witnessed destruction up close—sometimes vehicles exploding just ahead of him. He himself was wounded, though he considers himself fortunate to have survived.

“You never knew if you’d be shot at or hit a booby trap,” Girouard recalled. “I prayed every day to make it home. I was lucky—I got to come back and see my wife.”

Serving at Home Amidst Challenges

Returning stateside didn’t mean peace of mind. Stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes near Chicago, Girouard worked primarily around the brig for three years. Yet serving in uniform during those years came with its own struggles.

“It wasn’t pleasant to be on active duty then. People spit on you, threw things at you—it was very demoralizing,” he said. “Even 55 years later, that hurt lingers in the hearts of Vietnam veterans.”

Despite the adversity, he reenlisted for six more years, paving the way for a full military career.

Building a Career in the Marines

For 13 years, Girouard was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He first worked in corrections, but soon found his calling in ammunition handling and later in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). He retired honorably in 1993 after 25 years of service.

Retirement, however, didn’t mean slowing down. Until 2015, he worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, traveling to abandoned ranges and ammunition plants to safely neutralize unexploded ordnance left behind from earlier wars.

Dedication to Veterans

Today, Girouard continues to serve—this time as a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 102 in Valparaiso. He is passionate about helping fellow veterans secure the care and benefits they deserve.

“We’re all veterans working to bring in others so they can get disability compensation,” he explained. “Our service officers go out of their way to ensure no one is left behind.”

Family, Faith, and Home Life

Away from service, Girouard has built a meaningful life anchored by family and faith. He and his wife live in Morgan Township and worship together at Liberty Bible Church in Chesterton. They love traveling in their camper and exploring the country’s campgrounds.

They share a strong bond, particularly now as his wife undergoes cancer treatments. Their family includes seven grandchildren—three nearby and four in Houston, Texas—who bring them endless joy.

At home, a golden retriever puppy has become “almost like our newest grandchild,” he said with a smile. “We’re homebodies, and we enjoy the life we share with our neighbors.”

A Legacy of Quiet Strength

Donald A. Girouard’s life is one of resilience, courage, and continued service—both in uniform and beyond. From the battlefields of Vietnam to his community in Valparaiso, he embodies the quiet strength of a Marine who never stopped serving his country and his fellow veterans.