Honoring our Brave Veterans

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Citizen North Coast

Salute to Veterans

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Headlight Herald

2019

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Salute to Veterans

2 • Wednesday, November 6, 2019

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Salute to Veterans

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

23rd Veterans Day Celebration events Host: Tillamook Naval Air Station Sponsors: VFW Post 2848 and the Post 2848 Auxiliary

11 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2019 MC: Captain Joel Stevens, Oregon Army National Guard 9:30 to 10 a.m. Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association arrives 10”30 a.m. Patriotic music Buffalo Kitty Band - Past performers for USO Tours.

11 a.m. Program Begins • “March on the Col-

ors” • Portland Metro Pipe Band entry & Posting of Colors by U.S. Coast Guard • Pledge of Allegiance led by Capt. Joel Stevens • Star Spangled Banner, performed by Kathy Forbes • Invocation by Pastor Ron Watson • VFW Auxiliary President Karen Allenbrand – Bells for Peace • Introduction of our host: Tillamook Air Museum • Recognition of our Sponsors: Tillamook County Transportation District, Safeway of

Tillamook, Tillamook Rental Center • Introduction of special guests and dignitaries • Recognition of all veterans by branch of service Performance of service anthems by: Tillamook Community Chorus and members of the Tillamook High School Choir, Leader Jerilee Henderson • Keynote Speakers – Gordon McCraw, Chief Aerographer’s Mate US Navy • Buffalo Kitty Band/ musical performance • Donavan Goff, VFW

Post 2848 Commander, Karen Allenbrand, Auxiliary 2848 President and the Northwest Quilts of Valor Organization- special presentation to local veterans • Kathy Forbes performing “God Bless America” • Taps by Caryn Backman • Benediction by Pastor Ron Watson • Portland Metro Pipe Band – Amazing Grace • “Retiring of the Colors” • Portland Metro Pipe Band closing March and USCG

THERE WILL BE A FLYOVER OUTSIDE THE AIR MUSEUM AT 1:30 PM (*Weather permitting) Other events and activities • Veterans Day Assembly Friday Nov. 8 Veterans Day Assembly at East Elementary School at 9 a.m. Friday Nov. 8. Veterans, family and the community are invited to attend.

Veterans Day extra events • Ride in – The Combat Veterans Motorcycle

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Association – South side of hangar 10AM • Bouncy House for kids –after the program, located at Kids Play area west side of hangar.

• Officers Mess Hall – Lunch – Life Change Fellowship Church will provide a free home cooked meal for Veterans and families from noon till 2 p.m.

•Tillamook Elks Lodge honors our Veterans - At 4 p.m. the Tillamook Elks Lodge, at 1907 Third Street in Tillamook, will host a spaghetti dinner and a Veterans’ Day honor program.

Thank You to all of our Veterans

Thank You for Your Service to Our Country

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Salute to Veterans Local man awarded French Legion of Honor for WWII service

4 • Wednesday, November 6, 2019

By Cody Mann Headlightnews@countrymedia.net

A

flying hero of World War II has been awarded the French Legion of Honor for his service.

Capt. John “Jack” Ferris enlisted in what was then the Army Air Corps on Sept. 1, 1942.

He was classified for navigator training at Pan American Airways Navigation School in Florida, which was completed in April of 1944. The following

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July, Ferris was assigned to a B-24 bomber crew and deployed to Italy to join the 15th Air Force, 484th Bomb Group, 824th Bomb Squadron.

Ferris’ outfit flew combat missions to Italy, Germany, Yugoslavia and Austria. In September, the unit was sent to Southern France to fly support missions.

Ferris returned to Italy Feb. 1, 1945 and he was on his 22nd mis-

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Salute to Veterans

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

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n Legion Continued from Page A4

Proudly Caring for Our Veterans: Images of Jack Ferris during his military service. Courtesy photo.

of the three heroes that would never forget the we are honoring today.” Americans who helped Lebrun-Damiens said restore their freedom. it was the decision of He noted the countless the French president accomplishments of the to bestow upon every Greatest Generation. living American WWII He also highlighted the veteran with France’s sacrifices of those who highest distinction – fell during the war on the Legion of Honor. behalf of people they He was joined in the never knew. Lebrunaward ceremony by Damiens also said the several French elected French people know officials. how much they owe the “As young men, United States, adding you left your home that there is gratitude and family to fight for the longstanding and liberate not only alliance.

France, but the whole Lebrun-Damiens European continent, to pinned the French Ledefend democracy and gion of Honor on Ferhuman rights,” Lebrun- ris’ jacket and warmly Damiens said. “By embraced him. Then serving your country, Ferris was asked to say you saved my country. a few words for the Freedom is a gift that audience. does not come for free; “I accept this honor it requires courage and as a representative of bravery … your courmy crew and all of the age and your bravery gentleman of the 484th are the reason why Bomb Group who had President of the French the privileges of flying Republic decided to in France and assistaward you the highest ing,” Ferris said after French recognition.” receiving his award at Lebrun-Damiens said the French people n See LEGION, Page A6

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sion when his aircraft was shot down over Vienna, Austria. He returned to Italy six weeks later and flew six more missions.

For his actions, Ferris was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and two Presidential Unit Citations. At the war’s end, Ferris returned to the U.S. and was discharged.

He was married, had four daughters, eight grandchildren, and a great granddaughter.

He currently resides in Rockaway Beach, Oregon.

In July of this year, Ferris was one of three WWII veterans who were presented the French Legion of Honor during a ceremony at the French Residence in San Francisco. Two Army veterans were also awarded.

The ceremony was the beginning of festivities for Bastille Day, a national celebration of independence.

Inspirational remarks were given by Consul General of France Emmanuel LebrunDamiens.

“We would not be independent today without what the United States did during the Second World War,” Lebrun-Damiens said. “And we would not be independent today without the acts of courage and bravery

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Salute to Veterans

6 • Wednesday, November 6, 2019

One of the French Legion of Honor medals awarded at the ceremony. Courtesy photo.

n Legion Continued from Page A5

the ceremony. “Thank you.”

French Legion of Honor The Legion of Honor is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte

and retained by all later French governments and régimes. The order’s motto ‘Honor and Fatherland’ and its seat is the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur next to the Musée d’Orsay, on the left bank of the Seine in Paris.

During the French Revolution, all of the French orders of chivalry were abolished, replaced with Weapons of Honor. It was the wish of Napoleon Bonaparte, the First Consul, to create a reward for civilians and soldiers.

He instituted a Légion d’honneur, a body of men that was not an order of chivalry, for Bonaparte believed that

France wanted a recognition of merit rather than a new system of nobility.

However, the Légion d’honneur did use the organization of the old French orders of chivalry, and the insignia of the Légion d’honneur bear a resemblance to those of the Ordre de Saint-Louis, which also used a red ribbon.

“You call these baubles, well, it is with baubles that men are led,” Bonaparte said.

“Do you think that you would be able to make men fight by reasoning?

Never. That is good only for the scholar in his study. The soldier needs glory, distinc-

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tions, rewards.”

484th Bomb Group/824th Bomb Squadron According to military history records, the 824th Bombardment Squadron was first activated at Harvard Army Air Field, Nebraska in September of 1943, one of the four squadrons in the 484th Bombardment Group. In April of 1944, the squadron began flying combat missions from Torretto Airfield, Italy.

Until the end of the war, the unit acted primarily as a strategic bombing organization, attacking oil refineries and storage facilities,

industrial facilities and lines of communications in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and the Balkans.

In June of 1944, the unit’s target was marshalling yards near Munich, Germany.

However, the Germans deployed a smoke screen that effectively hid the target, making the attack unfeasible.

Despite losses from flak and interceptor aircraft, the squadron proceeded to its secondary target at Innsbruck, Austria. Its persistence in the face of opposition earned the unit

n See LEGION, Page A8

Thanks To Our Service Men and Women VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST & AUXILIARY 2848 PRESENT THE

23 VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION rd

MONDAY, NOV. 11, 2019

Program Starts at 11:00 AM at TILLAMOOK AIR MUSEUM

“THEY SERVE”

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST & AUXILIARY 2848 PRESENT THE

23rd VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION Monday, NOVEMBER 11, 2019 Program Starts at 11:00 AM At TILLAMOOK AIR MUSEUM

“THEY SERVE” On The Battlefront and On The Homefront

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On The Battlefront and On The Homefront • PORTLAND METRO PIPE BAND • USCG COLOR GUARD-GARIBALDI • TRAVELING MILITARY MUSEUM • MUSIC BY BUFFALO KITTY BAND • TILLAMOOK COMMUNITY CHORUS & THS CHOIR

SOS FUNDRAISER BREAKFAST @ AIR BASE CAFÉ SERVED 7:30-10:30AM

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This program could not be possible without the generous support of the community and these sponsors:

* PORTLAND METRO PIPE BAND

* USCG COLOR GUARD – GARIBALDI

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Salute to Veterans

A guide to local Memorials and Markers Bay City (2)

• Plaque/Native Boulder with POW/ MIA Flag on the flagpole; Dedicated December 16, 2003; Located Marion Barr Library • Vietnam Memorial; Dedicated July 4, 1992; Located Campsite between Bay City and Tillamook east of Hwy 101

Cloverdale (1) • Plaque; Located Nestucca Valley Cemetery off Highway 101 • Plaque; Located west of bridge off High-

way 101 in Cloverdale, directly across from the High School digital sign

Garibaldi (1) • Coast Guard Boat Memorial; Dedicated Unknown; Located near the marina off South 7th Street to Coast Guard Way just north of the Coast Guard facility.

Hebo (1)

• Mt. Hebo Memorial Plaque; Dedicated 1987; Former Mt. Hebo Air Force Station

Nehalem (3)

• Nehalem Bay Veterans Memorial; Dedi-

cated May 21, 1989; Located Nehalem Bay Cemetery; http://www. waymarking.com/ waymarks/ WM13M9_ Nehalem_ Bay_Veterans_Memorial • Plaque (All Veterans); Dedicated - 1994; Dennis D. Schnoor Veterans Memorial Park located near the northwest entry to Nehalem Bridge • Plaque/Flagpole

(Veterans of All Wars); Dedicated - Unknown; Located Cemetery between Nehalem and Manzanita, Highway 101

Tillamook (6) • Plaque (Tillamook County Veterans Korean and Vietnam); Dedicated - Unknown; Located US Post Office, 2200 First Street • Plaque (All Wars); Dedicated - Unknown; Located Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave. • Plaque (Country’s Dead); Dedicated Unknown; Located

We Appreciate Your Service to Our Country

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Odd Fellows Cemetery, across from the County Fairgrounds, 4603 E 3rd Street • Giant Flag; Dedicated - Unknown; Located next to Werner’s Meats on East 3rd Street across from Goodspeed Park • The Tillamook Air Museum (Wartime Memorabilia); Dedicated - Unknown; Located Highway 101 just south of Tillamook • Pioneers Museum Exhibit of Veterans’ Memorabilia; Dedicated - Unknown; Located Pioneers Museum, 2106 2nd Street

CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT CLASS 6PM CLASS ONLY!

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Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Mark your calendar for the 3rd Thursday every month Military Discount Day at Freddy’s!

Enjoy an Extra 10% OFF Show the cashier your Military or Veteran ID, or ask them to load your Military Discount to your Rewards Card. Some exclusions apply, see store for details.

Veteran’s Day is Monday, November 11

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Salute to Veterans

8 • Wednesday, November 6, 2019

A man’s experience during and after the Vietnam War: James Cox J

By Hilary Dorsey Headlighreporter@ countrymedia.net

ames Cox was drafted into the US Marine Corps September 3, 1969, at 19 years old. Cox said this was before the draft lottery.

He was in group 1A, meaning available for military service, a group that was expected to be drafted. Cox reported to Portland, where 400 people waited to be called. Four names were called to be drafted into

the US Marine Corps, one of them being Cox. Cox spent his training in San Diego and was stationed in Virginia for six months. In August of 1970, he was sent to Vietnam. He finished his tour at the end of June 1971, when marine units were pulled out.

Cox’s position in the US Marine Corps was primarily administrative, although he was assigned to outpost. He

n See COX, Page A9

James during the war Courtesy photo.

Saturday, November 9th 7:00am-3:00pm

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n Legion Continued from Page A6

a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC).

Two months later, the squadron received a second DUC for an attack on underground oil storage facilities near Vienna, Austria.

Without fighter escort, the squadron fought its way through intense opposition to strike the target.

The squadron bombed bridges, viaducts, marshalling yards, and supply dumps to assist troops advancing on Rome between April and July of 1944. In September of that year, the unit

transported petroleum products to troops participating in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France. At the end of the war it supported the final advances in northern Italy.

Following Victory in Europe Day, the unit was assigned to Air Transport Command. It used its B-24s as transport aircraft, flying personnel from locations in France and Italy to Casablanca, French Morocco.

It also engaged in transport operations from North Africa to the Azores or Dakar in French West Africa until it was inactivated on 25 July 1945.

WE’RE HONORING OUR

Local Veterans WITH A FREE MEAL*

*with valid military ID - Excludes alcohol purchases

Plus 10% of the total restaurant sales on 11/9 will be donated to Kilchis-Tillamook Bay VFW Post 2848

2807 3rd Street Tillamook, OR 97141

Thank you for your service.

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Salute to Veterans

n Cox Continued from Page A8

(Left) A photo of James Cox now. (Right) The Chinook

spent five months reliev- helicopter is the one Cox flew the most. The gun was at their outpost that they could access only by air. Courtesy ing units. photo.

“Most of the year was chaotic,” Cox said.

Cox said the year was racking,” Cox said.

Cox served in the focused on hit and run Cox said that most Marine Corps until July missions and explosions. people accepted the fact of 1971 when he came Infiltrators would get that something would back from Vietnam on within the compound. happen to them. the Freedom Bird. Cox “It was pretty nerve-

We Honor All Who Serve Past & Present

said the airplane carried on for several years after the war.

“It wasn’t much of a welcoming homecoming,” Cox said of returning home.

Cox was discharged in uniform on the plane from Los Angeles to Portland. Cox said it was not a good atmosphere to be in uniform. His family lived in Banks.

When he got back, his job wasn’t there for him, so he came to the coast and worked in commercial fishery. He worked on commercial fishing boats out of Garibaldi and Newport fishing for shrimp, crab, salmon and bottom fish.

He eventually became

n See COX, Page A11

Thank you Veterans for your service to our country

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Protecting all of Tillamook County

Honoring Our Veterans

Serving as Firefighters in Tillamook County Tillamook Fire

Rueben Descloux – US Army Ryan Noffsinger – US Army Gavin McClaskey – US Navy Kyle Prulhiere – US Navy

Nestucca Fire

Daniel Sheridan – US Air Force John Eckhardt – US Navy Austin Sears – US Navy James Oeder – US Navy

Bay City Fire

Karl Anderson – US Air Force Aaron Bentley – US Army Jace Huseby – Coast Guard David Stacey – US Marine Corps

Garibaldi Fire

Larry Worrel – US Navy

Rockaway Fire

Tom Martine – US Army National Guard

Nehalem Bay Fire

Joe Jones – US Army Bill Diebold – US Air Force

We invite you to

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Bay City Fire Department 503-377-0233 Garibaldi Fire Department 503-322-3635 Nehalem Bay Fire District 503-368-7590 Netarts Oceanside Fire District 503-842-1153 Nestucca Fire District 503-392-3313 Rockaway Beach Fire Department 503-355-2978 Tillamook Fire District 503-842-7587

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Salute to Veterans

10 • Wednesday, November 6, 2019

www.tillamookheadlightherald.com

In the life of a helicopter door gunner: Glen McPherson

By Hilary Dorsey Headlighreporter@countrymedia.net

G

the flight to his mission. He got ready for the flight, but someone from one of the crew ships came out, telling him that they didn’t have enough gun fire for the flight and it was cancelled.

One of McPherson’s comrades, Perry, sat on the helicopter and asked McPherson for a cigarette. McPherson gave him one.

“These things are going to kill me one of these days,” Perry said.

McPherson left and was told not long after that the helicopter got shot and Perry had died.

“It was one of the biggest shocks of

len McPherson was drafted into the military for the Vietnam War in August of 1967 and served until February of 1976. He chose Aircraft Mechanics in the US Army and was a helicopter door gunner. His main job was recovering Hughes OH-6 Cayuse helicopters. He recovered 54 helicopters in one year that had been shot down.

Before leaving for a mission, McPherson woke up from a dream hearing his late grandmother say his name in German, Tal, and telling him not to go on n See MCPHERSON, Page A11

Courtesy photo.

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n McPherson Continued from Page A10

my whole career there,” McPherson said.

McPherson stayed in the US Army for eight and one-half years before he got out of the service. He said he was going to make a career out of it.

Salute to Veterans

McPherson said he is disabled from Agent Orange, an herbicide and defoliant chemical, that is widely known for its use by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War. McPherson went through cancer treatment a few years ago.

McPherson learned how to shoot from a helicopter by shooting at seagulls as they flew over the beach. He missed his first shot but learned quickly. When he and his comrades were flying over the South China Sea, he saw sharks. He told his buddies and they started shooting at them.

McPherson’s helicopter never got shot down.

n Cox Continued from Page A9

captain and co-owner of an 80 foot trawler, which he brought through the Gulf of Mexico and Panama Canal.

“I spent almost 20 years on the ocean,” Cox said. “It was a saving grace for me.”

Three or four people would get on a boat and be gone for several months at a time, Cox said. He worked with other Vietnam veterans, but the group was reluctant to address it.

Cox had a lot of friends and relatives against the Vietnam War, but says his family has always be support-

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ive.

“It was a choice each of us had,” Cox said.

Cox got married, had children, and now grandchildren. He has been married for 45 years and the couple is still very happy, he said.

He currently lives in Bay City. He started a family at 32 years old. When one of his sons was four, he realized he needed to give up on working on the ocean, so he could have more time with his family.

Cox became a licensed building contractor.

“This allowed me the opportunity to be home and raise my three sons,” Cox said.

He appreciates that they have grown and found their own inter-

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

ests.

The last 14 years, he has been a construction trades teacher at NeahKah-Nie High School and Trask River High School with Tillamook School District.

“It was more about sharing knowledge,” Cox said of teaching. “It became a unique position for me to be in.”

Cox recently retired dur to health issues.

Cox was diagnosed with prostate cancer, caused by exposure from Agent Orange during his time in the war.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Agent Orange was an herbicide used by the U.S. military from 1962 to 1975, named for the orange band

•

11

around its storage barrel The military sprayed millions of gallons of it on trees and vegetation. Several decades later, concerns about the health effects from these chemicals, including dioxin, a byproduct of Agent Orange production, continue.

Cox had an operation last Friday.

Cox said he appreciates the support he has received from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Office in Tillamook. He said the VA is correcting the gap that was set there before.

“I feel very appreciative to them [the VA], my family, and my coun try,” Cox said.

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Salute to Veterans

12 • Wednesday, November 6, 2019

www.tillamookheadlightherald.com

I’d do it over again; for you: Dennis Agaliotis W

hen asked, Dennis Agaliotis said he would do it all over

ion, 4th Infantry Division as a Dozer Operator.

“My experience was scary. It was a pretty country and I was out in the field more than anything,” Agaliotis said.

As a Dozer Operator, Agaliotis spent his time clearing and prepping areas in diverse weather and combat conditions.

“We had a road cleared out to the border and back, [and] did a lot of building berms with chopper pads,” he recalled.

Agaliotis earned the Army Com-

again.

“War is the dirtiest thing ever. It’s never nice,” he said. “[But], if I had to do it over again I’d do it. I would. I wouldn’t do it for me, but for my country. I did it for you.”

Agaliotis was born in Clatskanie, Oregon. In August 1966, he joined the United States Army in the midst of the Vietnam War. During his time in the army, he spent a year in Pleiku, Vietnam as a member of Company D, 4th Engineer Battaln See AGALIOTIS, Page A13

Help & Hope

Dennis Agaliotis

Resour ces & Suppor one ime esources Supportt - Any Anyone one,, Any T Time Tillamook (24 hr) Crisis Line 800-962-2851 or 503-842-8201(servicio en español)

Veterans Help Line 800-273-8255 ext. 1 Lines for Life/Suicide - 877-273-8255

YOUTH Lines ffor or Lif e/T ext teen2teen - 839863 Life/T e/Te

CodeGreenCampaign.org Safe Call Now 206-459-3020 Fire/EMS “Share the Load” 888-731-3473 Copline/Law Enforcement 800-267-5463 Pr ob lem Gamb ling - 877-695-4648 Prob oblem Gambling FREE T tment - www .OPGR.or g Trea eatment www.OPGR.or .OPGR.org Non-emer genc y/W elf ar e Chec k - 503-815-1911 Non-emerg ency/W y/Welf elfar are Check Contact Kari Dorsey at: 503-842-3987

sostillamook.org

"

503-842-8201

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Salute to Veterans

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

•

Chief Aerographer’s Mate: Gordon McCraw C

hief Aerographer’s Mate Gordan McCraw (Retired) spent a little over 20 years in the Navy, enlisting in early 1973 he spent 10 years as an Air Traffic Controller and then 10 years as a meteorologist. Because of a special program offered after his second enlistment, he spent no time at sea. He was,

however, stationed at several duty stations that had some bad disasters which explains his job today, and his Humanitarian Service Medal and his Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal from the extra efforts and work done to help

n See MCCRAW, Page A14

Chief Aerographer’s Mate Gordon McCraw (Navy Retired)

Tillamook Diesel RepaiR

Thank you to all veterans,

past & present, for your service to our country.

n Agaliotis Continued from Page A12

mendation Medal for his service in Vietnam because “his constant and diligent devotion to duty earned him the respect and confidence of all members of his unit.

The untiring efforts, professional ability and

dedication of Specialist Four Agaliotis are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”

“I’ve seen a lot of things and the Lord was with me,” Agaliotis said of his time in Vietnam.

“You have to have lots of faith and a strong ability

to stick with it.”

After discharging from the army in August 1969, Agaliotis began work in the Oregon sawmills moving from Westport, Warrenton, and eventually landing in Tillamook where he met and married his wife of 31 years.

Agaliotis now spends his time with his dog “Buddy,” fishing, and league bowling.

(503) 842-5561 • Fax: (503) 842-6321 E-mail: tdr97141@gmail.com 405 Main Ave. N. , Tillamook, OR 97141 H44451

13

Salute to Veterans

14 • Wednesday, November 6, 2019

n McCraw Continued from Page A13

others after those disasters. He has the National Defense Service Medal for Vietnam and Desert Storm, and, his weather detachment received the Meritorious Service Medal for their work during Desert Storm. Among his other medals he was also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for special work he accomplished while being the Chief in Charge of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Detachment in New Orleans. In addition to 3 separate tours in New Orleans, he was also

stationed in Cuba, Illinois, California and even spent some time as a dependent spouse between enlistment in England. We know him as our local weatherman, Emergency Manger and Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant.

He is married to Heidi McCraw, herself a 6-year Navy veteran Radioman or RM, she was also stationed in Cuba, you can guess who she met there and ended up marrying.

She was stationed in London and New Orleans and now has a full-time job keeping Gordon in line and on time.

They have two adult children; their son Scott lives in Portland now and their daughter Whitney lives in Tillamook.

www.tillamookheadlightherald.com

History of Veteran’s Day

Service members make numerous sacrifices in defense of their countries. While the debts to service members may never be the kind that can be repaid in full, paying tribute to veterans, on Veteran’s Day and throughout the year, can be a great way to show them just how much their efforts are appreciated.

Veteran’s Day in October?

According to Military.com, for a short time, thanks to the Uniform Holiday Bill, which in 1968 established three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating national holidays on Mondays, Veteran’s Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October — the first being October 25, 1971.

However, many people did not agree with this decision, continuing to honor the holiday on the original date. In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a new law that returned Veteran’s Day to November 11 beginning in 1978. Since then, parades, memorial events, volunteer efforts, and other celebrations revolving around veterans have been held on November 11.

Veteran’s Day begins with Armistice Day Veteran’s Day is a byproduct of the end of World War I, when Germany and the Allied Nations signed the Treaty of Versailles, formally ceasing fighting and establishing terms of peace. On November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the signing of the treaty, the first Armistice Day events were held.

Armistice Day was initially a legal holiday to honor the end of World War I only, states History.com. The United States Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual obserVeterans around the world vance, and November 11 became a national holiday starting Many countries, including the United States, celebrate vetin 1938. However, in 1954, after the country had been emerans on or near November 11. America’s closest neighbor broiled in both World War II and the Korean War, Congress to the north, Canada, commemorates veterans on Rememamended the Act of 1938 by renaming the commemoration n See HISTORY, Page A15 “Veteran’s Day” to honor veterans of all wars.

IN HONOR OF GOD, FLAG AND COUNTRY: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

615 Main • Tillamook (503) 842-8271

We Salute Our Country’s Veterans.

Thank You For Your Service.

A SPECIAL DAY SET ASIDE TO HONOR OUR MEN AND WOMEN WHO FOUGHT OUR WARS TO GIVE US THE FREEDOM WE ENJOY TODAY.

ALL OF US AT DECKER REAL ESTATE HONOR OUR VETS AND WOULD LIKE TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOU. IF YOU ARE BUYING OR SELLING A HOME OR PROPERTY, WE CAN HELP!

OUR VETERANS GAVE UP THEIR FREEDOM BY JOINING THE ARMED FORCES AT AN EARLY AGE FOR A SEASON TO GIVE US FREEDOM FOR A LIFETIME. THESE ARE SPECIAL FOLKS, SHOW THEM YOU CARE. - Carolyn H. Decker

“THANK YOU”

H44372

VETERANS DAY!

615 Main • Tillamook

(503) 842-8271

From the staff at Tillamook Motor Company

E-mail: deckerrealestate@yahoo.com Web Page: www.deckerrealestate.net

Carolyn Decker cell (503) 801-0935

Teresa Burdick (503) 812-3495

Mark Decker (503) 801-0498

501 & 708 Main Avenue, Tillamook 503-842-4475 • 800-927-4476 • www.tillamookmotors.net Tillamook Ford North • Next To Pizza Hut On Hwy 101 in Tillamook • 503-842-1202

H44383

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Salute to Veterans

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

•

15

One of the first: Cyndy Arvin ‘I wanted to do my part’:

Ron Breazile

F

emale officers were a new addition to the United States Navy when Cyndy Arvin enlisted in 1974.

“I had a friend that I worked part time for…her husband was retired from the military,” Arvin said. “He kept telling me that I would make a good officer. He told me there was a program that they came out with that they were going to enlist 300 females into the officer program. This was for Officer Candidate School… there was 1,000 applicants and I was chosen.”

When asked how she told her family, Arvin said, “I was in a family of six girls and no one had served because they don’t take girls. So, I felt that someone should serve and represent our family.”

At the time, women were not able to serve on ships or go to war zones.

“They wanted to see how effective women would be in in officer, administrative, and instruction positions….the program was highly successful,” Arvin said. [So], they could go on recruit more females.”

n History Continued from Page A13

brance Day (also November 11), as does the United Kingdom. Britain also has Remembrance Sunday, which is the second Sunday of November. Remembrance Day also is called Poppy Day, when people of the Commonwealth mem-

By Chelsea Yarnell For The Herald

I

Arvin spent 19 “long” weeks in Newport, Rhode Island training.

“Marching out there in the icy snow was difficult,” Arvin recalled. “The program was to teach you what enlisted people would learn in boot camp. We went through those courses and physical training. We took leadership courses. We even took a course on how to use our utensils at a fancy dinner.”

After commissioning, she was sent to duty in San Diego, California as an officer.

“My first year in active duty, I was teacher for enlisted people who hadn’t had a great educational background:

English classes and public speaking classes.”

She then served as a legal officer, and completed her active duty in June 1977. She continued on reserve duty from 1977-1996.

When asked what she learned the most from her time in the service, she said trust.

“I learned how to trust my fellow military people…I think that’s important: the honesty. That you keep your people informed. That seemed to be something that I really took to heart.”

Arvin now resides in Rockaway Beach.

ber states wear a red poppy flower in honor of military members who have died in the line of duty.

cemeteries may take place.

In Europe, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.

Veteran’s Day and its sister holidays mark the honoring of veterans of all wars, with a particular focus on living veterans. It is a day to celebrate the dedication and selflessness of hardworking military men and women.

Paying tribute There are various ways to honor veterans on Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day. Federal government closings, educational efforts in schools, parades, and visits to military hospitals or

t may have been a peaceful time, but Ron Breazile still felt that serving his country was an important thing to do.

Breazile enlisted in the United States Navy in 1957 and worked as a boilerman on the destroyer the USS Duncan.

“I wanted to do my part. I’ve been that way my whole life,” he said.

“I don’t want to sound like a hero, but that’s how my dad raised me.”

Breazile served through 1960.

His advice to those considering joining the armed forces is to “learn what you’re supposed to. Learn why you’re there; defend the United States.”

When asked how people can show honor on Veteran’s Day he said, “Put your hand on your heart and take

a minute to respect the flag. Respect the flag and what the military does. When the colors are presented you’re supposed to be proud.

A long list of boys died for those colors so that we can do what we do today. When there’s a war, people get up and put there their life on the line. Some people don’t realize that.”

Breazile now resides in Garibaldi and enjoys fishing in his spare time.

Sat. & Sun. April 4 & 5, 2020

Headlight Herald

Saturday 9 am to 4 pm Sunday 11 am to 4 pm at the

Tillamook County Fairgrounds

We are now booking vendors Contact us now to reserve your space!

Saturday, April 7

Now Taking Reservations Bee Day 2018

10 am to 5 pm

Sunday, April 8 11 am to 4 pm •

FREE ADMISSION

Tillamook Beekeepers Association is Presenting

at Tillamook County Fairgrounds

for Ads and Booth Space!

Promotional ads for the show will be published in the weeks preceding the event. The Home & Garden Show special tabloid section will be distributed in the Headlight Herald on Wednesday, April 1, and will be promoted on the front page of the paper.

The Home & Garden Show Special Section will live on our website for one year in a flip book display.

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Find out how to become a Sponsor

Headlight Herald

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By Chelsea Yarnell For The Herald

For more information: Call 503-842-7535 or email Katherine at headlightads@countrymedia.net www.tillamookheadlightherald.com • 1906 Second St., Tillamook, OR 97141

Salute to Veterans

16 • Wednesday, November 6, 2019

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