Veterans honored at Chautauqua County Home
On Tuesday, members of the Charles Tinley Memorial Chapter 142, Disabled American Veterans, sponsored a luncheon for the Chautauqua County Home veterans. Several of the Charles Tinley members joined the veterans at the Home for lunch prepared by the Dietary Department. Individual gifts were purchased for each veteran with money donated by the Chapter.
The Veterans' Council Color Guard presented the colors to open the program. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Charles Tinley Post commander Michael Maslach. The Manual of Arms was presented by Marine Corps representatives. Administrator Timothy Hellwig expressed appreciation to the group.
Chaplain Sandra Tapasto read the names of 18 deceased County Home veterans from the past year. Chaplain Tapasto led the invocation. Vicki Notaro read the list of current County Home veterans and their service records. Barbara Campese, Volunteer Coordinator, presented each honoree with their gifts. Ralph Moch, Junior Vice Commander of the Chapter, gave the keynote address. Dunkirk Mayor Richard Frey also addressed the group. James Hurley, service officer of the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency, shared his thought with those present.
A total of 29 United States veterans live at the County Home. They include 27 gentlemen and two ladies. Highly decorated, many of them engaged in combat during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Others served during peacetime. Branches of service included the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and the National Guard. Also recognized was a lady resident who was one of our Allies during WWII, who was a member of the British Army.
Arrangements for the event were made by Notaro, Rhonda Moore, the Food Service Director, and Moch of the Disabled American Veterans.
