Eleven Veterans were inducted onto the Wall of Honor during Veteran Day Services in Centralia on Friday.
They are Roy Eppson who served in the Army during the Vietnam War, Donnie Young who served nine years in the Navy from 1975 to 1985, James Jeffers who was a US Air Force Veteran who served as a medic from 1967 to 1972, Daniel Goose’ Gamon who was a Vietnam Army vet, Chelsey Geurin who served as a jet mechanic in the US Marine Corps for five years before a bad fall ended her career, Tim Erno who served four years in the Navy who was involved in operations in Libya, Jack Forth who served in the Army after being drafted in 1952, brothers Ronald and Allen Boettcher, Senior who both served four years in the Navy in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Trevor Wilkinson who earned 15 medals in his military career that included Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and John Wills who served in the US Navy for eight years including the Korean War.
The guest speaker at the program was US Navy retired Lieutenant Commander Bill Adams. He noted there are now 19 million US veterans with us today and millions who have passed away. Adams says veterans are 25 percent of police forces and have filled many other public service jobs after completing their tour of duty.
“Veterans are a diverse group represented by men and women of every economic, ethnic, and religious background. They come from every state and territory, but they are bound by one common commitment to defend America with their life if called upon. From fighting terrorism, defeating fascism, and liberating slaves veterans have a record of remarkable accomplishments throughout our nation’s history.”
But Adams says Veterans need help as well as their rate of suicide is 50 percent higher than the rest of the population.
“We must be proactive, ask and encourage veterans to seek help before they pass the point of no return. The bonds that we form in the military are unlike any others. A good American Legion Post fosters an environment that helps continue such bonds and create new ones. Very few of us are trained counselors or mental health professionals but we are capable of listening, referring, and following up. ”
Adams says those who need help can find it as easily as by calling the new nationwide 988 number. He feels that the new phone line will prevent more 911 calls in the future.
Adams also pointed to the 60,000 homeless veterans who need assistance and jobs.
The annual event was held this year at the Centralia American Legion and is sponsored annually by the Sutherland-Garnier and Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Homes.
Lieutenant Commander Bill Adams US Navy retired speaks to the Centralia Veterans Day Program. Photo by Pat Hodges.
