John M Carson
2025-2026 Commander - Marines
John Carson enlisted in the Marine Corps for 4 years after 2 years of college in 1966 from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Marine Corps basic training was completed in 1967. He attended seven months of Aviation Electronics School at Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Florida, and was then transferred to El-Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Orange County, Ca. in 1967.
He served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, working at several Marine Corps air bases. In 1969 , he made Marine of the Quarter and earned a meritorious promotion to Sergeant. His final military assignment was El-Toro MCAS , where he was discharged in 1971.
He served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, working at several Marine Corps air bases. In 1969 , he made Marine of the Quarter and earned a meritorious promotion to Sergeant. His final military assignment was El-Toro MCAS , where he was discharged in 1971.
John was hired on to the Orange County Sheriff in 1971 and spent 31 years, retiring as a Sergeant. He finished his AA degree at Santa Ana College, earned a BS degree at the University of
Redlands, and a Master of Science degree in Negations and Conflict Resolution at Cal State
Dominguez Hills. He also earned a second M.A. degree in supervision and management and
earned several master’s level certificated degrees in supervision and management at Cal State
Fullerton.
In his off time, John coached girls fastpitch softball for 23 years, and umpired fastpitch softball for 9 years. Additionally, he started a safety assessment team at his church and wasresponsible for several security upgrades to make the church a more secure for the flock to attend church without fear. He was requested by the Department of Homeland Security to head up teaching several churches in Mission Viejo and possibly Orange County on improving security at all Faith Based
Organizations, obtaining $350,000 in FEMA and California Office of Emergency Services grants
for safety and security upgrades for his church.
John is a charter member of the Mission Viejo VFW Post 6024 from 1988 to the present. He participated and ran the Buddy Poppy Campaign for several year, served as Jr. Vice
Commander, and as Post Commander. Post 6024 has won All-State and All-American awards for
assisting Veterans in need for five straight years.
John and his wife have been married 59 years, have two girls, a grandson, and three granddaughters.
He currently serves as the VFW Mission Viejo Post 6024 Immediate Past Post Commander.
