Robert R. Work, of Lorain, was named Veteran of the Year by the Lorain Veterans Council last night at the Lorain Veterans Council 65th annual banquet at the Italian-American Veterans Post 1 in Lorain. MORNING JOURNAL/ANNA NORRIS
LORAIN — After completing their military service, veterans still have work to do for their communities, Lorain’s 2011 Veteran of the Year said.
The Lorain Veterans Council used its 65th annual banquet to bestow the honor on Robert R. Work, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
“I’m shocked, amazed, what else can I say? It’s a great honor,” Work said.
A retired auto worker, Work also is a member of the Lorain Police Auxiliary who spends time in schools teaching children about patriotic topics, such as respect for the flag.
“Our duty doesn’t end with something like this,” said Work, 63. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do in the community. Our work is not done.”
A 1965 alumnus of Lorain High School, Work studied Biblican and counseling studies through the Liberty University School of Life Long Learning.
A year later, he joined the U.S. Army and in 1968, he deployed to Vietnam as a machine gunner in a recon unit. Work earned numerous awards and ribbons and was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1970.
Work married his wife, Linda, in November 1970 and the couple has three grown children and seven grandchildren.
Work also served in the Lorain Memorial Association for placing flags at memorial grounds and the Memorial Day Parade.Continued...
View reader comments (1) » Comment on this story »
“His greatest ambition and joy is working with today’s youth, teaching Biblical principles and sharing what this wonderful country means to him and what it means to have freedom, respecting our flags and our veterans,” said Clarence Geisel, who himself was Lorain’s 2008 Veteran of the Year.
Work called for veterans to continue their community involvement. He cited the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling about the right to protest at military funerals and said veterans should come out to show their honor for those killed defending America.
More than 100 veterans, family and friends came out for last night’s banquet at the Italian American Veterans Post No. 1. The event was hosted by the Disable American Veterans Lewis Paul Proy Chapter 20 of Lorain.
The guest speaker was Richard Crawford, the Marine Corps veteran who served as the commanding lieutenant of Sam Felton Jr., who received the Navy Cross for his service in Vietnam and was 2010 Veterans of the Year.
“To me, veterans represent all that’s great about our country,” said Crawford, who traveled to the event from Fort Myers, Fla. “I’m humbled to be here. Thanks.”
The group also heard remarks from U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton and Lorain Mayor Tony Krasienko, who each thanked the veterans for their service.
Lorain High School’s Junior ROTC also paid tribute, lighting the single candle on the table set but left unoccupied as a reminder of those who gave their lives in the service.
The Council also installed its 2011-2012 officers, including President Ray Campana, Vice President Mike Simpson, Treasurer Dorothy McGuire and Felton as secretary.
Source:
No comments:
Post a Comment