gray06 Nov-Dec 2009_Gray01_Jan-Feb 2005.qxd.qxd - Korean War ...

Bugler Nelson Elliott display plaque awarded to him for playing “Taps.
Others in photo include (L-R) Ch 129 Commander and National Director
Luther Rice, Ken Cash of Ch 129, and bagpiper Neil Kemp.
All’s “Fair” with members of Ch 109 at West End Fair (L-R) Tom Dempsey,
Joe Drozd, Ken Hendershot, Commander John Howard
Ch 129 members in a local parade as members of a Color Guard consisting
of representatives of the American Legion, VFW, DAV, KWVA, and
Vietnam Vets
A good show at the West End Fair for Ch 109 members (L-R) former
Commander Paul Warman, Al Colvenbach, Joe Drozd, Pat Coppola, John
Howard
129 PFC John F. Howard, Hvy.
Mortar Co., 279th Regt., 45th
Inf. Div., Korea, 1952—now
Commander of Ch 109
SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA #4 [IN]
We participated in a number of activities during the summer
and fall months. On June 25th six members attended a program
in Indianapolis saluting Korean War veterans. It was hosted by
Indianapolis Mayor Ballard, himself a retired Marine LtCol. The
well-attended event was followed by light food.
On August 16th the Chapter’s firing party and Color Guard
participated in a program honoring two WWII veterans. One was
Roy Lambert, Jr., U.S. Navy, who survived a kamikaze attack on
his ship off the island of Okinawa. He was awarded the Purple
Heart Medal for injuries suffered during the attack.
The second individual was Robert Myers, U.S. Marine Corps,
who was injured during the battle for Iwo Jima.
On October 1st the Chapter Color Guard and firing party participated
in a program honoring four additional WWII veterans.
Francis Meyer, U.S. Army, was awarded the Silver Star for heroism
while serving in the Philippines; Chester Lester, U.S. Army,
participated in the D-Day invasion; Orville Brown was a member
of the Merchant Marine; and John Wunderlich was a member of
the Navy NROTC program.
On October 3rd, the Chapter participated in a local parade as
members of a color guard consisting of representatives of the
VSOs in the city of Aurora.
On November 7th a celebration recognizing the 134th birthday
of the Marine Corps was held at the Aurora American Legion
Post. A special award was presented during the evening to Nelson
37
The Graybeards
November – December 2009