The Centralia Veterans Day program heard from a local veteran was a challenge to help prevent veteran suicide. Nine veterans were also inducted into the Wall of Honor, including a 100-year-old World War II veteran.

Wall of Honor inductee and guest speaker Adam Feig. Mike and Judy Sutherland, who were emcees, are to his right. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Adam Feig, who completed six tours of duty in Desert Storm, is a disabled veteran, and now an Army Civilian employee, says it’s nice to thank veterans for their service, but it should go further.
“A lot of times we are focused on our Veterans. And yes, Veterans we all sacrifice something at one point in our lives, but our families sacrifice just as much. Our wives, husbands and kids deserve as much respect as we do, in my opinion, for what we did.”
Feig then took on the subject of veteran suicide which claims 22 lives a day across the country.
“I was almost part of that statistic. Had it not been for my family, my kids, and some people in this room who don’t even know they helped me, I would be part of that statistic. So, I challenge you to take this Veterans Day and every other Veterans Day and the 364 other days of the year to find out someone’s story. It may be the smallest thing like saying hello to somebody that may be the difference whether that Veteran is here next year to celebrate.”
Feig was one of the eight who received a plaque of appreciation as he was inducted into the Wall of Honor.
Father and son Tom and Scott Kalkbrenor were inducted. 90-year-old Tom served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1953 and his son served in the US Navy from 1983 to 1987.
US Marine in Enduring Freedom and two-time Purple Heart recipient Shawn Scarlett was a navigator who led multiple convoys through hostile areas. Scarlett is now active in the Centralia VFW where he is currently services officer
Luke Fitzgerald retired after 14 years in the US Navy after several on the job injuries.
Mary Hollingshead served three years in US Army as a Combat Medic.
Current VFW Commander Mark Ivy served over 30 years in the US Marine Corps and retired as Lt. Coronel. He served in multiple theaters of conflict and is known as a Mustang for serving both in the enlisted and officer ranks.
Neely Reed served two and half years in the US Army and as Commander of the Sad Sack program which assists veterans in nursing homes. Reed is also currently mayor of Central City.
World War Two Veteran, 100-year-old George Hiltibidal Junior, joined the US Army as a 19-year-old in 1943.
“I thank the good Lord for being alive today. I was there when they hung Mussolini in Italy and I can tell you a lot of things, but see that’s in the past. Would you believe we have 5 generations here today?”
Hiltibidal eventually broke down crying over the recognition.
The annual Veterans Day program is sponsored by the Sutherland-Garnier and Sutherland Rankin Funeral Homes and Hillcrest Memorial Park. It was held at the Centralia VFW Hall this year.

100-year-old vet George Hiltibidal Junior addresses the Veterans Day crowd. Photo by Bruce Kropp.