Humboldt Hero: Specialist Timothy Patton

Press release from State Farm Agent Scott Hammond:

The August 2024 Humboldt Hero, specialist Timothy Patton, was honored at noon on Friday, August 30th.

He was born in Pomona, California in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1979 because his family has a long history in the military ever since they came to the USA.

Tim’s great grandfather fought in Mexico, his father fought in World War II, his brother fought in Vietnam, and in the very beginning of our country, a relative of his was a spy for George Washington!

August Humboldt Hero: Timothy Patton

Tim survived his Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He completed his Airborne Training as a Parachutist at Fort Sam Houston, TX. From there, he transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia, for the longest span of his service time earning the Expert Field Medical Badge.

Tim earned EF in 14 months, and apparently that was rare. His time in the military was rewarding, particularly in finding out that he had more determination than he thought possible. Tim was honorably discharged in 1982 with a Specialist 4 rank.

Tim continued serving in the Army Reserves from 1982 through 1985 and in the National Guard from 1986 to 1987.

The Patton family moved to Pomona, California in about 1958, and Tim personally moved to Shelter Cove in Humboldt County in 2014 after he had a dream about it. When he found out that the place was real, he moved there as quickly as he could.

After his military service, Tim worked at WalMart, then the KLRD radio station in Ukiah. He owned a trucking company that leased out to SFLA Express, and later became a handyman at a retirement home. Now retired himself, he makes his home in Willow Creek.

Tim really enjoys Humboldt County because of its great natural beauty of the mountains, sun, and surf, and he enjoys endless walks to experience it. He volunteers his time to serve others through outreaches that include the Red Cross and his church. He delights in the fact that people here are friendly and kind, and he tries to return those same qualities to everyone he encounters.

We appreciate Specialist Patton’s service to his country and his community!