Honored guests from left to right included County Executive Paul Wendel, Jason Erick, Colonel Robert Moore, Sergeant First Class Denise Puskar, First Lieutenant Ryan Deas, and Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson.

Lt. Col. Robert Moore was honored to have been promoted to the rank of colonel in the United States Marine Corps, which was officiated by Mark Deas with Mary Deas as the narrator.

The ceremony began with the marching on of the official party which included, then Lieutenant Colonel Moore and First Lieutenant Ryan Deas.

There was a short musical number performed playing Civil War era music by Mark, Markus, and Ryan Deas which was followed by the administering of the Oath of Office and the pinning of the new rank.

Moore is currently stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command/U.S. Marine Corps Forces Northern Command/Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic, Norfolk, Va.

Originally from Utah, he is one of the co-founders of Range Ranch of Fredonia, offering equine therapy for veterans and first responders in a partnership with N.E.I.G.H. of Bemus Point. Members of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, the ranch’s mission also includes the opportunity to find peace in a therapeutic environment through agriculture, animals, and nature.