Honoring veterans who continue to serve our community

Around Town Honoring veterans who continue to serve our community Ret. Lt. Col. Eugene 'Bud' Gantey, U.S. Army, California National Guard By Jonathan Whitaker On Nov 7, 2026 Share “Once a veteran, always in service,” they say. Well, they might as well be talking about Eugene “Bud” Gantney of Merced. Bud is an unwavering patriot whose indomitable spirit has guided an incredibly full and resilient life, seasoned by history. U.S. Army veteran Bud Gantney stands near the Merced County Vietnam War memorial at Courthouse Park. There’s a few names on the stone monument that he remembers from his younger days in Merced. You can’t help but admire the man who built an early career as a teen, married the love of his life, and then survived being sent off to a foreign land and a terrible war. He caught a break, maybe several lucky breaks, and went on to complete 36 years of military service. He also built up a successful local business, and continues to serve our community as a standout Rotarian.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.