Fourteen area veterans were added to the Wall of Honor at the Centralia VFW Hall at Thursday’s Veterans Day program.
They are Lowell Crow, Fred Clark, Trevor Wilkinson, Jack Green Jr., David Hutson, Dale Hickey, Robert ‘Bob’ Shehorn, Joseph Mulvin, Craig Ulen, Darith ‘Darrry’ Ragusa, Wiliam ‘Bill’ Adams, Albert ‘Al’ Simmons, Louis Fogleman and Frank Richards Junior.
Crow was also the guest speaker at the annual program.
It is not the powerful weapons that make our military the greatest in the world. it is not the sophisticated aircraft weapons systems. True strength is what makes us the most advanced, true strength of the military is the spirit skill of those who served.”
Crow told the veterans in the crowd that we owe you thanks, respect, and our freedom.
“On Veterans Day, please thank a veteran for his service. Do not be surprised if he or she responds by thanking you because you were worth it. At the end of the day that is what it is all about. Don’t ever take it for granted.”
Crow served 34 years in the Navy, retiring as a Captain. He then became a city manager, retiring from that post in Centralia.
The annual program and awards ceremony is sponsored each year by the Sutherland Garnier Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Here’s more about the honored vets:
- Albert ‘Al’ Simmons served in the Marine Corps for three years, is currently serving as the American Legion Post Commander, and is on the funeral detail.
- Jack Green, Jr. was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Army where he received multiple medals.
- Craig Ulen enlisted in the Army after high school and became a radar technician on a nuclear missle where he served three years before returning home and becoming an active Army National Guard member.
- Fred Clark served four years in the Air Force in the 1950s and then served in the Air Force Reserve. He now serves as an Honor Guard during funeral services.
- David Hutson served in the US Navy during the Vietnam era and was honorably discharged in 1970 with several honorable mentions and metals.
- Trevor Wilkinson was in the US Army during Operation Desert Shield and then served in the Army Reserve.
- Joseph Mulvin joined the Army in 2007 and served in Afghanistan. He now works as a professional painter.
- Darith ‘Darry’ Ragusa served in the Army during the Korean War where he was in charge of supplies.
- Frank Richards served in Korea after being drafted in 1956. He helped build bunkers.
- William ‘Bill’ Adams served in the US Navy for over25 years and received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal.
- Dale Hickey enlisted in the Army after high school and served in Korea and is currently on the Funeral Detail of the Salem American Legion.
- Robert ‘Bob’ Shehorn was a member of the Navy and later joined the Navy Civil Service. He is a member of the funeral detail.
- Louie Fogleman served in the US Army as a Medical Supply Specialist in Japan and since retirement from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union remains active in his church and various Veteran organizations.
A large number of veterans and their families attended the Veterans Day program at the Centralia VFW.
