MEET OUR TEAM: RAY PUGH

RAY PUGH

Board of Directors

Meet Ray Pugh. Ray is on the Board of Directors for Solutions for Veterans. Born and raised in Texas, Ray graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. He is married with three grown children, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. 

Ray enlisted in the U. S. Navy and attended Aviation Electronics training specializing in Radar and Anti-Submarine Warfare equipment. He served 14 years in the enlisted ranks (E1 – E7), 5 years as a Warrant Officer, and 11 years as a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO). During his 30 years in the Navy, Ray’s job was to locate, identify, track, and eliminate hostile submarines if necessary during the cold war. Ray was also responsible for training other flight crews to do the same. 

Ray enjoyed his time in the military. He was able to travel the world and see things that would never have been possible otherwise. Both of Ray’s brothers also served in the military, and his sister ‘s husband was career military. Even Ray’s oldest son followed Ray into the Navy and attended many to the same schools.

Ray oversaw the Navy’s advanced avionics training and had the opportunity to graduate his son’s class. Ray recalls, “It was a pleasure to see him serve in some of the same positions that I once held.” 

Ray considers himself fortunate with the career path that he chose. He received considerable training and had education opportunities to attend college while on active duty. Unfortunately, many young men entering the military out of high school do not get that opportunity and leave the military with no plan to succeed. 

Solutions for Veterans is a program to help Veterans learn to take control of their future. Counseling and training are available in financial management, education opportunities, goal setting, job skills and many other personal growth goals that will help Veterans have a bright future. 

Ray’s hope for Solutions for Veterans “is that it will expand around the country and be available to all Veterans struggling with the transition from military life to civilian life.” He is looking forward to assisting other Veterans.