Custer Post #46, Custer Senior Citizens Center, Custer VFW Post #3442, and the Custer County Veterans Service Office all came together to sponsor celebration of Armed Forces Day by honoring Korean War Veterans with the award of the Korean Peace Medal.
Conducted at the Custer Senior Citizens Center, the event was attended by over fifty awardees, families, well-wishers, and event staff. It consisted of a social with lunch, and an awards program.
Presided over by County Veterans Service Officer Ken Irwin as Master of Ceremonies, the program commenced with his greeting, posting of the Colors by the Crazy Horse Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, invocation by the Squadron's Chaplain, a speech by Ken Irwin, and presentation of the medals awarded by the Republic of Korea.
Medals were presented by family members to the awardees. One medal was presented posthumously to the awardee's widow. Five awards were presented. Three additional awardees were unable to attend. Their medals were delivered separately.
The ceremony and event concluded with remarks by Ken Irwin followed by a casual social. All enjoyed themselves being very appreciative that “their” Korean War Veterans were remembered.
Guests enjoying the Senior Center Lunch
Korean Peace Medals being awarded
Back Row L to R Presenters Nylotis Van Orman, Alice Hagenlock, Ester Waltman, Shirley Stewart, and Mary Gonsor. Front Row Awardees L to R Calvin Van Orman, Lyle Cline, Harold Waltman, Robert Stewart, and Eva Dudley (Accepting posthumous award for deceased husband Phillip Dudley).
Crazy Horse Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, Color Guard and Staff
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