Everett Receives Order Of Kosciuszko Award During Veterans Day Ceremony
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Approximately 80 Kosciusko County residents and veterans gathered Tuesday at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126, Warsaw, to remember those who have fought for freedom.
Ken Locke, Salvation Army, presented Tom Everett with the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 49 Order of Kosciuszko award.The annual award is given to recognize a veteran that has provided exceptional service to God, country and others in the spirit of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Revolutionary War hero.
To qualify for the award, a person must be an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces, a Kosciusko County resident for no less than five years and provide exceptional volunteer or public service to others in Kosciusko County.
The recipient also must have provided public service to law enforcement, fire or emergency service or service to the American Legion, VFW or other veterans organizations.
Everett is a Korean War veteran of the United States Army who was wounded in combat and earned the Purple Heart award. He is an active member of American Legion Post 49 and the VFW.
He attends Warsaw Community Church and has led many honor guards.
He served as chaplain of the American Legion and participated at many graveside ceremonies.
"I'm overwhelmed and honored to have received the award," Everett said.
Former recipients of the award were Donald Frantz, 2004; Doug Brumfield Jr., 2005; Robert Lichtenwalter, 2006; and Richard "Dick" Dobbins, 2007.
An armed forces medley was held where veterans from each branch stood when their medley was played. Warsaw Community High School band played patriotic music. American Legion Post 49 and VFW Post 1126 Honor Guard posted the colors. A 21-gun salute was given and "Taps" was played.
American Legion Post 49 Commander Bruce Knouff gave a Veterans Day speech.
"When you ask young men and women to endure great hardships, drastically change their lifestyle and possibly give their lives for you, the words 'thanks you,' seem woefully insufficient," Knouff said.
He said, when an American Legion Auxiliary member asks for a donation for a poppy, remember the Korean War veteran in a hospital bed.
When a member of Congress complains about the cost of a veterans program, remind the lawmaker of the cost of being a veteran.
"We must honor these families not just with blue and gold star banners, but with open hearts. Help the busy mother of two with her yard work while her husband is fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan," Knouff said.
He also encouraged those who attended the ceremony to support the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund so children can receive educations if they loose their mother or father during military service.
"Perhaps most of all, thank today's service members for the sacrifices that they are making," Knouff said.
American Legion Post 49 Adjutant Mike Davis read the names of the servicemen formerly of the post who lost their lives in battle. VFW Post 1126 Quarter Master Larry Criswell read names of deceased soldiers from the post.
