Local Veteran is Celebrated as Wax Figure in Marine Corps Museum

CRESCO - Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Steven Ray Douglas always dreamt of soaring through the skies, a passion ignited at just three years old. It sparked an even greater passion within him after immersing himself in the profound insights of "Chicken Hawk" by Robert Mason. This book is about a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. 

  Growing up on the Norman Borlaug farm outside Cresco, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves after graduating from Crestwood High School and proudly served in Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines in Des Moines. His journey continued at Iowa State, where he graduated in 1996, earning a commission through the Platoon Leaders Course and attending Flight School in Pensacola, Florida to become a UH-1N Huey helicopter pilot.

  Steven comes from a remarkable lineage of Marines. His grandfather served, his father was a Crew Chief for a CH-46 helicopter, and two of his brothers had distinguished roles—one as a sniper and the other as a Motor Transport Mechanic. Yet, Steven was the only one who turned his service into a lifelong career.

  Now married to his wonderful wife, Smia, and the proud father of his 12-year-old daughter, Mara, Steven has made his home in Dumfries, Virginia, though he often visits his mother, Brenda, who still resides in Cresco. After 32 dedicated years in the United States Marine Corps, he retired on August 31, 2023.

  Determined to fly helicopters, Steven realized his dream to pilot the iconic Huey. His impressive career took him to 12 different countries, affording him the extraordinary privilege of flying President George W. Bush and the Vice President from 2004-2008, including visits to Camp David and the President's ranch. Achieving this position required an exemplary reputation as both a pilot and a soldier. His service included two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, culminating in a legacy that will forever be honored alongside the helicopter he loves.

  A cherished memory for Steven's mother, Brenda, is when he flew the President over their farm and Protivin on their way to assess flood damage in Cedar Rapids. She recalls his younger brother and father climbing a silo, proudly displaying the American and Marine flags for them to see from the helicopter. When Steven learned about the upcoming museum display, he was thrilled to collaborate on ensuring the setup perfectly represented a memorable scene, never expecting to become a wax figure himself.

  Located in Triangle, Virginia, near Quantico, the museum highlights scenes from as far back as the Revolutionary War. Steven is now part of a display commemorating the Bell UH-1N Huey and the soldiers who flew it, which played a vital role in supporting ground troops through various missions, including some medical evacuations, reconnaissance, and troop transport from 1971-2014.