U.S. Navy veteran, Allen McDonald, was surprised with his Erlanger honor banner as a birthday gift from his family in March.

“He is an amazing husband, father, and grandfather (GrandPoo) for our family,” said McDonald’s oldest daughter, Kimberly Klare, a Lieutenant with the Erlanger Police Department. “He does so much for our family. He is retired now and takes care of his grandchildren throughout the week.”

McDonald was raised in Campbell County and graduated from Campbell County High School. He joined the Navy in February of 1971 ahead of the draft. His service took him throughout Asia and the South Pacific.

After his first duty station in June of 1971 at Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, McDonald joined the crew of the USS Ogden in Haiphong Harbor, Vietnam, as a Ship Fitter. The Ogden – known as a LPD 5 landing doc transport ship – transported 1,500 Marines and equipment and was also a mine sweeper. He traveled to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Subic Bay in the Philippines before being honorably discharged on Dec. 12, 1974.

McDonald married his wife, Kathie, in September of 1977. In addition to Kimberly, the couple also has another daughter, Kristen Thiessen, a Mental Health Technician with Sun Behavioral, and six grandchildren – Jaiden 20, Drew 12, Kendal 11, Chloe 10, Ella 8, and Adelyn 2. 

McDonald was certified in auto body and mechanics and worked as a welder. He loves to build model cars, which he custom paints, and enjoys horseshoes and spending time with his family.

Provided by Kim Klare, daughter

Banner was displayed May-November 2021, 2022, and 2023 in Erlanger.