A Navy officer stationed in Pearl Harbor who deployed on a WestPac/Vietnam tour nearly five decades ago, John Bartley continues to live out his lifelong commitment to education and public service.
Today, Bartley serves as a docent at the James Farm Ecological Preserve in his hometown of Ocean View, Delaware, and as an instructor for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), as well as the “UD by the Sea” program at the University of Delaware, where he taught for 23 years as a professor.
“I enjoy engaging with people in my community,” said Bartley, a member of VFW Post 7324 in Ocean View who served in the Navy from 1971 to 1976. “Learning is important no matter what your age.”
For his continued efforts to serve his community by providing mentorship and public service to those wanting to learn, regardless of age, Bartley was nationally recognized by VFW’s Still Serving initiative in December.
Bartley is among the legion of military veterans impacting their communities today, a national trend that, according to the 2021 Veterans Civic Health Index, suggests veterans average about 30 percent more volunteer hours per year than civilians and 40 percent more belong to groups working on community issues. The Index also stated that veterans outpace civilians by 15 percent in charitable donations.
This article is featured in the 2025 December issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.