by William T. Beverly, Ph.D.
WALSENBURG– The Annual Hometown Heroes Luncheon was quite a “Welcome Home!” for Huerfano Veterans this past Saturday. U.S. Army Veteran Dick Chenault MC’d for the group of well over 100 who gathered to honor Huerfano County’s rich heritage of Veterans who have served the U.S.A. in conflicts over the decades.
Speakers and presentations included: Opening and Presentation of Colors by Deb William’s Journey Home Kids; a “Tribute to Our Veterans” by the newly confirmed as “permanent, full-time” Walsenburg Police Chief, James Chamberlain, U.S. Air Force Reservist; a progress report by sculptor, Joan Hanley on the developing Doris Tracy Memorial Project; comments regarding the Colorado Patriot Guard by U.S. Navy Veteran, Gary Baldwin; a special award to Deb Williams of “Journey Home”, recognition of John Mall Honor Students assisting in the event, music, great food and presentation of other awards to veterans in attendance.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Monica Bond (16) representing Bravo Company of “Journey Home” presented a U.S. Flag, flown in Afghanistan to Charlene Baldwin. Bond, a teen with Deb Williams’ “Journey Home” organization, stated that “the Mission of Bravo Company was to support and serve those who came before us.” And they did just that!
This event was well attended at over 100 and this Saturday Nov 20 at 1 pm, at Adventure Trails, the Hometown Heroes group will be packing up care packages to be shipped over seas to those who are currently serving. They say they could sure use lots of contributions such as beef jerkey, candy and nuts.
