Army veteran gets warm welcome in Springfield

A tall, dark and handsome stranger rode into town on his motorcycle one recent evening and stopped at the Springfield Legion Club where he received a warm welcome.

“I always try to stop in small towns — especially in middle America where there is care and respect for veterans,” said Sterling Deck, of Hamilton, Ohio, who has fulfilled his military obligations and is now enjoying his freedom.   “I always try to go to VFWs and Legions in small towns where the people are friendly.”

Deck grew up in Hamilton Ohio, and joined the military right out of high school, served two decades, and retired in 2013.      

“I have always loved traveling and being outdoors. “I’ve done my share of deployments and figured 20 years was enough, so I decided to travel and do the things I enjoy,” he said in an interview during his Springfield visit. “I started traveling in September 2013. I went to Central America where I spent about six months traveling during the winter. I usually go to some place warm during winters, and during summers I get in a more temperate environment.”  He has visited Europe several times from two to three months at a time. When back in the states he gets on his motorcycle and travels long distance trips.  He has traveled Route 66, and the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to Seattle.  “I try to stay off interstate highways and take the more scenic routes,” he said.