PARIS — The Veteran of the Month at the Maine Veterans Home is Pvt. First Class Arthur E. Westgate Sr.

Arthur was born on Aug. 12, 1932. He was born and raised in Portsmouth, N.H.

Westgate joined the Army on Jan. 13, 1953. During that time he was in the infantry division. He would also help transport people to the hospital.

Arthur served during the Korean War and was stationed in Korea and Japan.

On Dec. 31, 1954, he was discharged and received the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star.

After getting out of the service Westgate and a friend decided to drive to California to get a job but things did not work out so Arthur hitchhiked back home. Arthur worked as a farmer for a while, then he got a job working for John Cullinan running a gas station.

Over the years Arthur volunteered for different fire departments.

Arthur was married for 37 years and has four children and three grandchildren. He really looks forward to seeing his grandchildren.

In his younger years Westgate liked to roller skate and still would if he could. He likes to listen to country music, watch old comedy movies, watch the little kids play baseball, watch football and basketball. He also enjoys watching the birds at the feeders outside of his window.

Westgate came to the Maine Veterans’ Home in June 2011 and resides on the C-Unit. The staff thanks him for his service.