PARIS — Wilfred Louis Duchette is the veteran of the month at the Maine Veterans Home. Duchette was born on June 17, 1921. He grew up in Mechanic Falls.

Duchette joined the army on Oct. 5, 1942 and was discharged on Jan. 25, 1945. He was stationed in the African Campaign in Africa and served as a military police officer during World War II. He also trained soldiers to fight. During that time he was involved in an accident while transporting German prisoners; the truck he was in went over a cliff and he was seriously injured.

Duchette received the Eamet Ribbon with one bronze star and the Good Conduct Medal.

After the service he built his home in Norway.

He was married for 68 years to the love of his life. They had three children, two girls and one boy. They have nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Duchette worked at Wilner Wood Products for a while, then Daniels & Damon laundry service and then went to work for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as an insurance agent and earned several awards before retiring.

Duchette enjoys seeing his family and socializing with people. He also likes to play golf and listen to music. He remembers when Walmart opened up in Oxford, he would go down and meet some of his buddies for morning coffee and socializing.

Duchette resides on the C- Unit.