["Color Guard Members Honor a Fellow Vietnam Veteran." Anoka Union 26 Sep. 2008: Print.]
American Legion Edward B. Cutter Post 102 color guard members completed a simple yet ceremonial mission during Sen. John McCain’s Sept. 19 visit.
Members from the Anoka Legion post presented the nation’s colors to honor McCain, a fellow Vietnam veteran, said Commander Cliff Newman.
Newman was joined by Jim Hays, William Golden, Fadi Awaijane and Lannie Vaughn Friday at Key Air LCC’s hangar at the Anoka County Blaine Airport.
Hays is the post’s sergeant at arms and a past Commander. Hays and Golden are also past Post 102 commanders. Awaijane is third vice commander.
"It was just such an honor to participate. We jumped at the chance",
Newman said. "We went there to honor a veteran. That’s why we agreed to do it."
McCain’s official web site campaign biography states he entered the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated in 1958.
He became a captain in the U.S. Navy. On Oct. 26, 1967, McCain was shot down over Vietnam, and was held as a prisoner of war in Hanoi for
5 1/2 years, mostly in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.”
McCain was denied medical treatment and was beaten by the North Vietnamese as a prisoner of war. He spent much of his time in solitary confinement.
He was released from captivity in 1973. McCain was honorably discharged upon his retirement from the U.S. Navy in 1981, his online biography states.
During his military career, McCain received the following honors: Silver Star, a Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.
Newman said he was contacted by Bart Ward, a McCain-Palin campaign advance team member, regarding the post’s participation in the political event.
