Joyce Wagner
In Motion Staff Writer
Veteran’s Day — which honors Americans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good — is getting special attention this month.
Daytona State Falcon Veterans Club and the Office of Co-Curricular Activities will host a Veteran’s Day celebration, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Echo Plaza. Distinguished veterans from WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam War will be among the attendees. Several will speak about experiences during their times of service. This event is free and open to the public.
Honored guests include 93-year-old Ruth Heaphy, a WWII vet who was one of the first Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). Jeanne Williams 89, Navy, also served as a WAVE during WWII. Also representing the Navy are: Elmer “Charlie” Rago, 96, WWII; George McLendon, 88, WWII; and Troy Slater, 85, Korea.
Several Army veterans will be there, including: Bruce Hall, 89, WWII – P.O.W.; Robert McGuire, 79, Korea; Robert Hawes, 80, Korea; Gill Blais, 66, Vietnam; Rick Minor, 66, Vietnam; and Dallas Proax, 67, Vietnam.
Robert Bendlin, 70, Vietnam is a Marine Corp. veteran.
The 12 local veteran’s will enjoy lunch courtesy of DSC’s student veteran’s. All are encouraged to share their stories. “As veterans ourselves, we’re proud to host this event and show the community Daytona State’s commitment to our veterans and war heroes,” said Thomas Betty, head of the student-run Veterans Club.
The formal ceremony and speeches begins at noon. Master of ceremonies will be Dr. Thomas LoBasso, Chief Operating Officer and Provost. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Color Guard will present the colors. Scheduled guest speaker Dr. Melissa Paliani, a Department of Veteran’s Affairs clinical psychologist, will speak about the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life.
Modern and vintage military vehicles will we on display in the plaza. Organizations planning to attend the event are: the Korean War Veteran’s Association, the Order of the Purple Heart, The Vietnam Veteran;s Association #1048, the American Legion, the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, the Ormond Beach chapter of Rolling Thunder, American Ex-prisoners of War Association, the U.S. National Guard, University of Central Florida PTSD Awareness, ERAU drill team, the Disabled American Veteran’s Club, and the Daytona Beach Rat Patrol.
The DSC Veteran’s Club will donate money raised to the Emory L. Bennett Memorial Veteran;s Home in Daytona Beach to be used toward the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible bathing unit.