Plymouth's Unsung Heroes

Whether you've seen him around campus, or have heard his name being yelled from a far while he is driving the shuttle, James "Jimmy" Buckland. Known by many, and loved by all, there is more to Mr. Buckland than meets the eye.

Buckland was born and raised in none other than Plymouth, NH. Before becoming one of the most well known shuttle drivers on campus, he had been working for UPS for years, and owned his own transportation company focused on transporting special needs kids.

He has three adopted children of his own that are mentally challenged; they are his pride and joy. He retired early after selling his transportation business, and has been a shuttle driver for the past five years now.

Having grown up in Plymouth, Buckland plans to never leave here because he enjoys the community and University too much, "This is the best job ever, other than flying, this is the best job ever," said Buckland.

That's right flying. Buckland, also referred to as Corporal James L. Buckland, is a Vietnam War Veteran. 

He served as a helicopter crewman with the "The Purple Foxes" for two thirteen month long tours. It is one of the highest decorated Marine Corps helicopter squads in American history.

Buckland had the most confirmed enemy kills amongst his crewmen while serving in the war, "I had the most confirmed enemy kills, 44, my mother would take down the plaque in the office, would say 'you cant show stuff like that'," he laughed.

By his courage, resolute determination, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Buckland upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. "I've got a slew decorations," added Buckland.

He received numerous medals including the "Navy and Marine Corps Medal" and the "Navy Commendation Medal," and a bronze star for his heroism. 

Last year, Buckland received some unfortunate news. He got a call on his cellphone, determining he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer is not heredity. It developed from being exposed to Agent Orange chemicals used in the Vietnam War. 

This is an unfortunate common reoccurrence, Buckland added, "almost every Vietnam veteran has some sort of cancer."

"I went to flight school in 68' with fourteen other guys, four got killed in Vietnam, five or six have died of cancer, I was the last one to get it," said Buckland. He continued to add, "We've been watching and monitoring it forever."

Part of the United States' strategy in Vietnam was to conduct an herbicide program to remove foliage-providing cover for the enemy. Agent Orange was the most widely used of the herbicide combinations sprayed.

"It's a chemical defoliant that we used over there. We just got saturated with the stuff, inside of my flight helmet, we were just soaked in that crap all the time," explained Buckland. 

Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service are eligible for a variety of different VA benefits, including an Agent Orange Registry health exam, health care, and disability compensation for disease associated with exposure.  

Even though Buckland has been diagnosed with cancer, has gone through multiple treatments, and been through what seems to be hell and back he still manages to keep a positive attitude. "There's a lot people out in this world that are worse off than me, its all about your attitude," stated Buckland.

Buckland also suffered a stroke six years ago; it resulted from his ischemic heart disease problem, which is also from the Agent Orange. This still doesn't stop him. There isn't a day that goes by where Buckland appears to be upset, "I'm just never down, what good does it do to bitch and moan, and complain," said Buckland.

Nothing ever seems to ever break the man's spirit. "I think I always been like that, no matter how much bad stuff is going on in the world, there's always something good that comes out of it," said Buckland.

The Plymouth community has really made quite an impression on his daily life, almost as much as he made here. "Everybody here just has such a positive attitude, it's not like years ago when kids were tipping over cars and setting shit on fire, causing a lot of feuding with the townspeople. Everything here is so much better now. I really enjoy everyone's enthusiasm and seeing all those people that volunteer," said Buckland.

"There's just so many community service things going on, like the runs being put on for the Boston tragedy, I think it's great," said Buckland.

When he is not piloting the shuttle, one can find him attending one of many PSU sporting events. He enjoys watching softball, lacrosse, and ice hockey games. "I guess its how I get to know a lot of people, I drive those kids around to practice all the time, it really makes me look forward to go to work every day," said Buckland. 

The PSU Women's Ice Hockey team recently hosted a Prostate Awareness Game in honor of former Plymouth State coach and educator Joseph L. Clark, Sr., who passed away in 2012 to prostate cancer. All of the proceeds went to the New Hampshire Prostate Cancer Coalition. 

At this event Buckland did the ceremonial first puck drop. "I told my mother about that and she ended up in tears," he added, "she's 91 years old, she would've froze in there," said Buckland. 

This was a special event for the players as well, for Buckland is a dear friend and beloved fan of the team. "Jimmy jumped into our teams lives very unexpectedly- kids on my team took the shuttle, and he made each kid feel like they were on top of the world. It's my understanding he treats every kid this way. He is the epitome of the Plymouth State model, where a person gives, not monetarily but by how he treats others, and in turn, has the respect of so many on this campus," said Women's Ice Hockey Head Coach Ashley Kilstein. 

Buckland enjoys life to the fullest. In his free time he loves to play intermural softball, go fishing, and hunt with his friends, but he can't get enough of the people he meets through driving the shuttle. "I just love the hell out of this, its awesome to just roll the window down and hear someone hollering at me, 'Jimmy!' people do it all the time, it's great," said Buckland.

Buckland doesn't plan on retiring any time soon. He enjoys his job, life, and meeting new people too much. "I'll probably always do it, I've got it made. I can't imagine leaving this job, I'm here until I die," confessed Buckland.

"Jimmy is the type of person whose smile is contagious, personality is off the charts, and his genuine care is immeasurable. Take one look at his situation, his outlook, and his demeanor and Jimmy just makes you realize that that anything is possible," said Kilstein. 

Buckland will find out if he has a clean bill of health in September of 2013. From everyone on Staff at The Clock, we wish him the very best, and many more years of good health so he can continue to inspire, exhilarate, and impact Plymouth's students, faculty, and community.