HAYDEN — Reflecting on his career in the Navy, Ross Welburn doesn’t look at himself as a hero.

His time in service was not unlike that of most military veterans, he said, adding they were trained, did their job and got "invaluable life experience."

But to his community, Welburn’s service was certainly worth a hero’s recognition.

Welburn has been chosen as Hayden’s Distinguished Veteran for 2025 and will be honored today during the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at McIntire Family Park.

“It’s a great honor,” he said. “I went into the Navy as an 18-year-old, frisky kid, just out of high school and looking for adventure.”

Welburn looks back on his service as transformative.

“At first, it was humbling,” he recalled. “But with time, I adapted and I came out four years later as a more disciplined, married man.”

Welburn enlisted in 1965 and began his career as an electronics technician at NAS Rheem Field in Imperial Beach, Calif., the nation’s largest helicopter base at the time.

He received advanced training and was assigned to NAS Atsugi in Japan, where he served as a helicopter rescue crewman.

“His service required courage and technical expertise in making rescues under hostile conditions,” a press release said.

After his time in the Navy, Welburn turned his service inward through volunteer work, first at his children’s school, and eventually at his grandkids'. He was a longtime volunteer at North Idaho STEM Charter Academy, even flying in a helicopter to display for students on the first day of school.

“Kids keep you young,” Welburn said with a laugh.

Hayden residents might recognize him from community parades, where he’s often seen cruising in his restored 1930 Model A Calliope. And now that his children and grandchildren are grown, his volunteering efforts are devoted to the Bird Aviation Museum and the Music Conservatory of Coeur d'Alene. 

He’s described by those who know him best as “humble, brilliant, and endlessly giving.” 

“After my training and experience in the military, life has been easy,” Welburn said. 

The Veterans Day Ceremony begins at 11 a.m and will include the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District Honor Guard, the Hayden Meadows Special Chorus and Bucket Drummers and the Hot Punch Highlanders.