The call to duty was in her blood

Cathy Vaughn, a Leon County Disabled Vet, followed her father’s footsteps into the armed forces. Sherry’s Shots Cathy Vaughn was born in Pasadena, California to an Army dad who worked in the aerospace industry. With the armed service in her blood it seemed natural for her to join the Army when she graduated high school in 1978.

Vaughn served in Egypt, Germany and France during her career but in1983 she had a horrific car accident which left her in a coma for 29 days. She said the accident report reflected DOA and she jokingly asked if she could collect her life insurance.

The accident left her with partial paralysis of the right side but Vaughn was allowed to continue to serve in the Army. Her only criteria were that she must be able to walk five miles in one hour and she must be able to shoot a gun. She could do both.

In 1988 she took medical retirement and moved to Leon County with her husband, Ray, in 1989. Ray had an uncle, Charles Vaughn, who owned some property close to Smith Crossing so Ray and Cathy bought land that adjoined his.

Vaughn is considered 100% disabled and collects a VA Disability check rather than retirement from the Army.

Saturday, May 1, 2010, the Veterans Service Officers of Leon County sponsored a Veterans Appreciation Day. Veterans, such as Cathy, were shown various benefits and how to get them as well as being treated to various awards and types of entertainment.