By Paula Green
In Oakland, a special commemorative event was held on July 26. The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall honored Korean War Veterans. The affair was held in conjunction with National Korean War Armistice. The war began on June 25, 1950, and ended on July 27, 1953, after the signing of the Armistice Agreement. The Soldiers & Sailors tribute highlighted soldiers who have been inducted into the Joseph A. Dugan Jr. Hall of Valor. A new state-of-the-art Korean War exhibit and rarely seen artifacts from the war were on display.
The Butler VA Health Care System hosted its first Veteran Appreciation Day on Saturday, July 13, at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center, located at 353 North Duffy Road, Butler. All Veterans and servicemembers, their families, and caregivers were invited to attend the military tribute.
“This event allowed us to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by Veterans, servicemembers, and their families to this great nation,” said director Sharon Coyle. “We at the VA appreciate their dedication and commitment to protecting the freedoms this country was founded upon. We are proud and honored to serve all who served.”
For the eighth time, Butler County Community College (BC3) has been designated as a Military-Friendly School. Some area Veterans recognize BC3’s student-veterans program and appreciate the respect that the school has for those who served in the U.S. armed forces.
This past spring, BC3 had 65 former or active members of the Air Force, Army, Army Reserve, Marine Corps, National Guard, or Navy military members enrolled in courses either in person on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township or at its additional locations or online.
Alan N. Lutz, 56, of New Castle, served in the Army as a cannoneer with self-propelled howitzers. “BC3 cares about our veterans. I feel welcomed. I feel accepted. Any veteran from any branch of the service going to BC3 will find the acceptance overwhelming. It is a top-notch school,” Lutz said.
Jesica Lookhart, 41, of Worthington, was a member of the Army Reserve, where she was a heavy equipment operator and was trained as a combat lifesaver. “BC3 respects veterans, appreciates the sacrifices veterans have made, and wants to give back to them,” said Lookhart.
Connor Stewart, 26, of DuBois, enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he was a mechanic who worked on amphibious assault vehicles. “Many of us getting out of the military are kicking around different ideas. We may not be entirely sure of what we want to do. And when we see a place like BC3 that cares for us and helps us achieve our goals, it’s a good feeling,” Connor said.
Dakota Woods, 27, of Cranberry Township, was a member of the Marine Corps, where he was an infantryman who conducted training in offensive and defensive operations. “If the BC3 resources weren’t available, I think the transition for many people returning to school would be a lot more difficult,” Woods said.
Northern Connection magazine salutes our Veterans, and we thank and honor them for serving our country.
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