11 09 2017 veterans

A Salute to

Veterans The Addison Independent Thursday, November 9, 2017

Duty pushed Art Howard during his years in Navy

PAM NORTON PARTICIPATES in desert training maneuvers in California in 1982.

Courtesy photo

PAM NORTON OF Waltham served in the Army for five years in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Norton is proud of her service to country Ferrisburgh native saw a transition for how women are treated in Army

By GAEN MURPHREE MIDDLEBURY— Among the many veterans profiled in the Independent have been ones who landed on D-Day or fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Waltham Army veteran Pam Norton exemplifies a kind of quiet courage, also important in military service, putting duty before all, at one point even before her new family.

“You go where you’ve got to go and do what you’ve got to do,” said Norton.

Norton grew up on a Ferrisburgh dairy farm and graduated from Vergennes Union High School in 1976. Within months, she signed up for the Army and began basic training in Alabama.

Norton notes that her five years in the Army, a first tour from 1976 to 1978 and a

second from 1979 to 1982, came at a time of transition: She was among the last to belong to the Women’s Army Corps and to train in Morse Code.

Norton started basic training in December 1976, and the WAC was disbanded in 1978. Fort McClellan in Alabama, the base where she and all WAC (See Pam Norton, Page 8)

By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — Art Howard knew at an early age he was going to join the military. It was something that previous generations of his family had done, and he wasn’t going to be the exception to the rule.

Therefore at the age of 17 Howard coaxed his folks into green-lighting his entry into the U.S. Navy. He hadn’t even graduated from Dover (N.H.) High School yet. When he had secured his diploma at age 18, Howard shipped off to basic training with the thought he might further his experience and interest in communications.

“I was the first kid on “I thought my block to have a CB about trying radio,” Howard, now 73, out for the recalled with a smile.

But the Navy had SEALs, but different plans for its I never had new recruit. enough They made him part of the Underwater ambition to Demolition Team go through (UDT), a unit charged that kind of with finding and destroying enemy punishment.”

— Art Howard defensive obstacles near beaches prior to amphibious landings. The UDT was created during World War II and continued operating through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Its functions were ultimately taken over by the Navy SEALs. “I thought about trying out for the SEALs, but I never had enough ambition to go through that kind of punishment,” he said of the rigorous fitness training required to be a member of that elite force.

Howard, who spent most of his early years in Maine and New Hampshire, was first stationed in the early 1960s in Long Beach, Ca. From there, he and some of his UDT colleagues shipped out to Hawaii. But he didn’t get to enjoy many fruit drinks, gorgeous sunsets and sandy beaches: Howard and his shipmates were tasked with finding and defusing the (See Art Howard, Page 2)

PAGE 2 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017

spect, Ho e R no ith r W

and

G r a tit u d e

Thank You Veterans!

Let’s never forget what they did and why.

The High Bailiff of Addison County, Ron Holmes, is a supporter of the Disabled American Veterans and would like to salute all vets on Veterans Day and everyday.

Art Howard (Continued from Page 1) many unexploded mines left floating in the Pacific following World War II. The assignment involved sweeping large, open stretches of ocean using a metal detector.

When they came upon one of the large, round mines, they’d carefully deactivate it — or safely detonate it.

Fortunately, the antiquated ordinance did not claim the lives of any members of Howard’s unit.

“You had to be really careful,” Howard said in perhaps the understatement of the year.

In 1964, Howard’s UDT unit was sent to Yokosuka, about 30 miles southwest of Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, and began performing the same search-and-defuse exercise off the coast of Japan.

The UDT found the Japanese waters to be a much more fertile hunting ground for errant mines. It was a mixed blessing for the sailors who encountered the mines: They knew they would be removing a hazard, but the risks ART HOWARD of being enveloped in a potentially lethal explosion were always there.

As a result, he became involved with the That’s when the crew’s training would take Turning Point Center of Addison County, a over, according to Howard. Of course it didn’t nonprofit organization that offers programs hurt possessing the “invincibility” of youth. to those in recovery from drug and/or alcohol “You have to be who you are — young and abuse. Howard serves as board president for foolish,” he said.

Turning Point, where he can often be found ACTIVE DUTY chatting with the many people who visit in the In 1968, Howard made the next (and final) organization on Creek Road. stop on his tour of the Far East: Vietnam. The He’s happy to share his story about he got United States’ participation in the conflict clean and sober. was ramping up. Howard boarded the USS It was during the late-1980s. He had Joseph Strauss — a guided-missile destroyer proposed to his current wife, Gloria, who said — that made its way to the war-torn nation in no, but gave him a glimmer of hope.

Southeast Asia.

Howard recounted Gloria’s The Strauss’s mission was to message: “When you’ve been clean provide artillery support for U.S. “I wanted to for a year, we’ll talk about it.” ground troops, including SEAL win the war, It seemed like a daunting task, Team 2. When called upon, the which we rendered tougher by the fact he Strauss would unleash an explosive was surrounded by people who had flurry of projectiles from its two didn’t. I was encouraged his drug use. gun mounts — which fired shells trained to do Enter a childhood friend, Johnny from 54-foot-long barrels — and a what I had to Budd: Johnny invited him to stay combination of ASROC and Tartar do, and I did at his hunting cabin, outside of guided missiles.

Brunswick, Maine. Howard stayed “It was pretty powerful stuff,” it.” there, away from drugs and bad — Art Howard influences, until he no longer had Howard said. “You couldn’t be on deck when they were shooting the urge to use. That isolation, them.” coupled with the potential reward of marriage While the Strauss was usually kept out of to Gloria, saw him through those dark days. range from enemy fire, that didn’t keep the Howard and Gloria got married on Sept.

North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong from 22, 1990, and are still together, living in trying.

Middlebury.

“When we were shooting, they were Now retired from a lengthy career as a shooting back,” Howard said. trucker, Howard has expanded his civic Howard didn’t have a specific assignment service to include children. The boy voted aboard the Strauss. He helped out wherever “class clown” by his 8th-grade class is finally he could, often working in the radio room and living up to that potential: He’s a member delivering messages to the skipper. of the Rutland-based Cairo Shriners and He spent almost all of his time aboard the happily dons clown makeup to put a smile on ship, save for occasional shore time in Saigon children’s faces during area parades. He goes and in the nearby Philippines. by the clown name of “Papa,” and regularly Howard left the Navy on Sept. 11, 1970. hones his skills at the Shriners’ clown institute Like many Vietnam veterans, he exited with in Plymouth, Mass. some frustration.

The Shriners raise funds to support around “I was against the Vietnam War, as most 20 hospitals nationwide that treat children with people were,” Howard said. orthopedic needs, burns, spinal cord injuries, But he knew he needed to do his duty to and cleft lip and palate. contribute to the war effort.

“It’s so rewarding,” Howard said of his “I wanted to win the war, which we didn’t,” work with the Shriners. “It makes you feel like Howard said. “I was trained to do what I had you’re making a difference … I enjoy having to do, and I did it.” fun, and I enjoy seeing other people have fun.”

POST-WAR SERVICE When he’s not helping out at Turning Point Howard has continued his service to others or with the Shriners, he can often be found in civilian life, though he is fighting a war of cooking up food for homeless folks at the his own that he is fortunately winning.

Charter House Coalition’s warming shelter on His battle is with substance abuse, and he is North Pleasant Street. happy to report he has been clean and sober for One of the biggest rewards Howard gets 28-and-a-half years. But he knows that, just as from his work is being surrounded by people. in battle, he must remain disciplined and work “I’m a man who doesn’t like to be alone,” with others if he is to prevail. he said.

Vergennes man kept Army choppers flying in Vietnam

Like his father, Torrey saw lots of action overseas

By ANDY KIRKALDY enlisted for a second tour of duty with the 120th VERGENNES — When Vergennes native Aviation Company’s 30th Platoon. and city resident Ralph “Sonny” Torrey enlisted “I know he was proud of me,” Torrey said. in the U.S. Army in 1968 at the age of 19 he had “He never actually said the words. But I know a good reason. he was.”

“It was because of my father. My father EARLY ARMY DAYS was an infantry soldier in World War II in the Torrey signed up late in 1968 and began his Philippines, and he saw a lot of action. He was basic training at New Jersey’s Fort Dix that a very good soldier, a decorated December. He trained hard, soldier,” Torrey said. “I wanted both there and at his next stop, to do what he did. I wanted to “I know that the School of Transportation in probably sounds make him proud.”

Fort Huestis, Va., something Torrey has spent 46 years as crazy, but it’s a that he said paid off later. a carpenter in the Champlain “I took it very seriously,” funny thing how Valley since leaving the military, Sonny Torrey said. “I think that a career that has included war affects a kept me alive, because I knew owning his own business with young man’s mind instinctively what I had to do at partners, spending three years on and his ability to any given moment.” a crew restoring the steamship The School of Transportation Ticonderoga at the Shelburne do things he never was in fact an aviation school.

Museum, and most recently thought he could.” Torrey’s enlistment test scores doing finish work for Goose — Ralph were good enough to allow him Creek Builders.

“Sonny” Torrey to choose any field within the In between enlisting and that Army, and he had always been civilian success, his military interested in flying. career probably did make his dad proud: Torrey “It was just something I wanted to do, or at saw 2,000 combat hours during about two least something I wanted to do for the military years of service as a helicopter crew chief and aspect of my life, at least, and there were lots of gunner in the Vietnam War, mostly stationed at opportunities for that in Vietnam,” he said. the Long Binh base near the South Vietnamese When he completed training as a helicopter capital of Saigon. crew chief Torrey could have been assigned to Torrey said his father, Ralph Torrey, and he either Germany or Vietnam. Unlike many of his never talked with his son about it before he peers in that era, Torrey hoped for Southeast died in 2000, but supported him when he re(See Torrey, Page 5)

A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017 — PAGE 3

PAGE 4 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017

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A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017 — PAGE 5

Torrey (Continued from Page 3) Asia and the front lines.

“I thought if it (combat duty) was good enough for dad, it was good enough for me, to do what I was trained to do rather than pretend to do it at some safe location,” he said.

For about six months at Long Binh he worked as a helicopter mechanic. Then the mechanics were asked if any wanted to fly with the 30th Platoon. Torrey raised his hand.

“There were safer platoons to fly in,” he said.

“But I’m really glad I made that choice.”

COMBAT HOURS Torrey spent most of the first part of those 21 months as the crew chief of a gunship. He had two main jobs, both involving keeping the helicopter in the air.

Torrey’s first duty was mechanical.

“My primary responsibility as a crew chief is to make sure that ship is flyable,” he said. “And the insurance they had was I had to fly on that helicopter every time it left the ground.”

The second? In flight Torrey carried an M-60 machine gun. Helicopters made what they called “gun runs” in tandem. The first would approach a target and the pilot would fire rockets and mounted guns — each of which fired 4,000 rounds a minute. Torrey and the ship’s gunner would then lay down covering fire when the ship veered off and be vulnerable until its teammate made its run.

“The gunner and crew chief would have to turn and fire back toward the rear and hopefully keep (the enemies’) heads down long enough for that wing ship to come in and make his gun run,” he said, estimating he might have had to do so around 100 times.

In his second tour of duty Torrey received a new assignment: He worked on helicopter “light ships” equipped with large searchlights that patrolled the Long Binh area for enemy infiltration. Again, he operated a machine gun.

Typically, his aircraft would carry American and Vietnamese officers and a Vietnamese radio officer to coordinate with friendly patrols and made three or four two-hour runs a night over different sectors. Circling over them were gunships that they could call in if necessary.

“We would fly around at low level, maybe at 40 knots 100 feet off the ground, looking for trouble,” he said.

Two of three times a week they would find it.

“Most of the time we would find nothing.

Some of the time we’d find plenty. If we found movement, we’d determine that it wasn’t friendlies,” Torrey said.

“We would get permission to fire on what we saw, the movement. If return fire was received to the extent we couldn’t handle it with just that one helicopter we had two gunships circling

RALPH “SONNY” TORREY of Vergennes said he was never afraid during gun runs he did as an Army helicopter crew chief in Vietnam; he credits his training for keeping him focused.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

us at 500 feet constantly, focused on the task at hand “I don’t think I ever with rockets and mini-guns during combat, as well as the and machine guns. If we got sense of being “bulletproof” experienced fear in into enough trouble that we that comes with being young. the moment. Never. couldn’t handle it with the He also notes the 30th Being shot at and light ship we would pop up Platoon, while it suffered and put the light on our target, casualties, never lost a man shooting back and and the gun ships would come during his service — although doing what we did, I in and do gun runs on the area two of his Vergennes Union just never was scared. High School classmates, and pretty much devastate it.”

Although after After hours of flying in including one close friend, circles doing nothing Torrey lost their lives elsewhere in missions there were said they didn’t always call the Vietnam War. times my knees got the gunships right away.

“I’m going to say something a little weak when I “We would wait until we that sounds insane, but I don’t thought about what were really in trouble before think I ever experienced fear we would allow the gunships in the moment. Never. Being we just did.” to come in because the — Ralph shot at and shooting back excitement was there. I know “Sonny” Torrey and doing what we did, I just that probably sounds crazy, never was scared,” he said. but it’s a funny thing how war “Although after missions affects a young man’s mind and his ability to do there were times my knees got a little weak things he never thought he could,” Torrey said. when I thought about what we just did.”

“Growing up I was one of the most passive AFTERMATH people around. I don’t think I was ever in a Of course, despite the best efforts of many fistfight in my life. I didn’t look for trouble.” in the armed services, the Vietnam War, as it Torrey credits his training for keeping him grew increasingly unpopular on the home front,

turned out not to be a successful American venture.

“We came in second,” Torrey said. “It didn’t end as well as we would have hoped, we who were actually doing the work. But I think it was almost actually predetermined by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and upper management that we would not win that war. That’s my opinion. I don’t think we lost that war. The war was lost in Washington.”

Possibly those in charge on the American side underestimated the opposition, but not Torrey.

“I have a great respect for the tenacity of the Vietnamese people. They didn’t have helicopters. They didn’t have air support. They were ground forces, and they were extremely dedicated soldiers,” he said. “We were up against a pretty formidable enemy in our missions. We did all that we could do.”

Despite also the fact that American veterans of the Vietnam War were not honored in the same way as returning veterans of earlier conflicts, Torrey does not second-guess his decision to do his duty.

“There were no ticker-tape parades. The World War II veterans, and I don’t want to (See Aftermath, Page 9)

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PAGE 6 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017

Lawrence Grace Jr.

A Salute to

Veterans

CWO4 National Guard Camp Johnson Vermont We love you and are very proud of you ~ Mom and family SUBMITTED BY HAZEL GRACE

Arthur Alton Putnam SGT-E-5 Army Served in Fort Devens, MA

Lucien C. Farnsworth Airman First Class U.S. Air Force Served in Korea, Japan & Germany

You will forever be our hero.

You lived your life like a true soldier.

– With all our love! Your family

Thank you, Lucien, Dad, Grandpa and Papa for all you did in the service 1950-1954.

We Love you and we miss you.

– Your loving family

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR PUTNAM’S FAMILY

SUBMITTED BY CINDY , ROGER AND HEATHER CLOUTIER

Arthur W. Shields Airman 1st. Class United States Air Force Stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas

James A. Bouvier U.S. Army Air Corps 1st. Lt. 1943-1945 Grafton- Underwood, England

My Air Force Ace. Ever you will live in my heart. ♥

Always thinking of you.

SUBMITTED BY CAROL SHIELDS

SUBMITTED BY CONNIE BOUVIER LAROSE

Betty Hall

Ronald LaRose

U.S Air Force Eglin AFB, Florida

U.S. Army LTC (Ret) 39 years active duty and National Guard Service

Thanks for your service.

–Mom & Grammie

Proud of you.

SUBMITTED BY MICHELLE HALL

SUBMITTED BY CONNIE BOUVIER LAROSE

We remember and honor those who have given their lives defending our freedom and democracy.

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Veterans

A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017 — PAGE 7

A Salute to

John Calvin Macaulay Hospital Corpsman Navy WW II Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA

Christopher Cousino Commander US Navy Washington DC Naval Yard.

Just returned from a year in Bahrain.

Caring for the wounded was your way to serve your country.

Thank you to all our military, past and present for your time and willingness to serve. You deserve this recognition. A special thank you to our son, Chris, for his 25 years in the US Navy.

We are proud of you and your service.

SUBMITTED BY HIS DAUGHTER, LAURIE JORDAN

SUBMITTED BY ROD & SHELLY COUSINO

Marc A. Prime

Rodney Grant

LCPL United States Marines Stationed Camp Lejeune, N. C.

Staff Sergeant Army

Once a Marine, Always a Marine

Thank you for keeping us safe with your 20 years of service.

~ We are so proud to have you as our Marine!

Love you always and forever.

Much love, your wife and girls.

SUBMITTED BY HEIDI PRIME

SUBMITTED BY LYNNE GRANT

Michael Prime Sergeant United States Army Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas Michael returned back home on U.S. soil August 16, 2017 after serving a year in Afghanistan.

I am so incredibly proud of his strength and dedication to always better himself as a soldier.

It’s an honor to stand beside him.

Robert C. Douglas Jr. Private Army Korea Thank you to the guy who quietly gets things done.

SUBMITTED BY JACQUELYN PRIME

SUBMITTED BY AMY DOUGLAS

Mitchell Keros

Sergeant Devin Rochon

Fireman First Class U.S. Navy Served in USS Pettet-Destroyer

U. S. Army Fort Bragg, N.C.

5 years D.A.V - Deceased in 2008 Served with honor, greatly missed, loved forever.

With honor and pride, thank you, Devin and to all who have served and are serving now.

Love– Dad, Alaina & Wyatt

SUBMITTED BY MRS. MARY KEROS

Ji Simmons Air Force Staff Sergeant 3 Tours in Iraq and Afghanistan 2006-2009

Riley P. Benoit Specialist Army Vilseck, Germany

Thank you for being one of the many brave patriots, giving service to our country so that we may live in freedom. We are proud as always.

Riley’s family is very proud of him!

SUBMITTED BY SUSAN & JOHN SIMMONS

SUBMITTED BY NINA BENOIT

PAGE 8 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017

In honor of those who have served and who continue to serve.

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Pam Norton she said. “You don’t have grandma. You (Continued from Page 1) enlistees did their basic training, was closed don’t have grandpa. You don’t have cousins in 1999. And Torii Station, where she served or sisters or brothers that you can say ‘hey in Okinawa, Japan, in the early 1980s, can you take the kid for a half hour?’ So you become each other’s families.” has been rechristened the Then Norton was reassigned United States Army Garrison to Fort Riley, Kansas, a place Okinawa.

“We did where she knew no one, and Her Army years were a time where she knew that part of of personal transition as well. obstacle her responsibilities would Basic training gave her more courses. We did include being given four-hour confidence in herself, said the crawling alerts to be ready to report Norton. to base and go anywhere the “We did obstacle courses. through the mud military wanted to send her.

We did the crawling through Then came her biggest the mud on your hands and on your hands sacrifice for the military. knees under razor wire and and knees under Reluctantly, but with a clear carrying stuff. You had to do razor wire and sense of duty, she sent her sixthe push-ups and the chin-ups month-old son to live with his and the sit-ups. You got up carrying stuff. grandparents in Vermont while and you ran a certain number You had to do she made her way to Kansas. of miles every day and you “When they tell you you’re carried a certain amount of the push-ups going to go, you’re going to weight on your back,” she said. and the chin-ups go,” said Norton.

Some young women just and the sit-ups.

That separation was one of gave up, Norton remembered. the greatest challenges she “We had one girl who was You got up and faced in the military. so homesick, she cried every “My mother called me and night. And then all of a sudden you ran a certain said, ‘He took his first step, she was gone,” she said. number of miles and I cried. So it was at that A farm girl who’d never point where I said when been farther away from home every day and this tour is done, I’m done,” than Massachusetts, Norton you carried a Norton recalled. said the Army exposed her to certain amount The military has become new people and places. Basic more sensitive to the needs training threw together young of weight on of families, said Norton. But women from small towns, your back.” back then she described the big cities, different family — Pam Norton message to women soldiers backgrounds and different as, “If the government wanted races and made them find you to have a family, they common ground.

“We all opened up and talked about would have issued you one.”

LOOKING BACK families and our lives,” said Norton.

Norton is proud of the strides women have It also forced recruits to cooperate, to pool made in the military, describing one of the their skills.

“I know that you can’t make your bed latest firsts: In early October Marine Mariah right. You just can’t do it. But you can buff Klenke became the first woman to train and your boots and I can’t. So you start working qualify to lead amphibious platoon assaults.

But above all else Norton is proud to be with each other so that the whole group doesn’t get penalized for something,” said an American and proud to have served her Norton, who also pointed to a certain “us country. She points to the flag as a symbol of “a nation of many. It doesn’t against them” spirit that got stand for one culture, one recruits working together to race or one whatever. This best the drill sergeants.

The military country was settled by many, MILITARY CAREER has become many different people, from Initially, the Army assigned many different cultures and Norton to train as a medic. But more sensitive countries. And so that flag to there was one problem. to the needs me is a symbol of all of us.”

“Back then when I saw a And for Norton, military needle I passed out. Even in of families. But service is a bedrock on which the barn when they were giving back then, Pam American freedoms rest. cows a shot, I’d go right onto “We’re lucky. We are so the ground,” she said.

Norton says, the lucky. We can say what we The Army instead gave Army’s message want. We can do what we her administrative training want. Whether you agree or to women and assigned her to Fort disagree with taking a knee Sill, Oklahoma, where the soldiers was, “If or whatever else is going on commanding Sergeant Major the government in this country, we have the would stand over her shoulder ability to do it, and that’s watching her type and wanted you to because there are people who grumble, “I don’t know why have a family, have served their country and they let women into this man’s Army.” they would have fought for our right to speak for ourselves.”

Norton finished her tour, issued you one.”

Nevertheless, she remains returned to civilian life, and troubled by the political then reenlisted within a year. tensions currently sweeping She completed Morse code the country, and offers a training and was sent to Japan. While there reflection based in part on what she learned she had her first child.

A single mother, Norton moved next door in the Army: “To be a cohesive unit we have to friends who also had an infant, and they to learn to accept our differences and we need to respect each other.” shared childcare duties.

Reporter Gaen Murphree is reached at “I think that’s part of the military because you understand what it’s like not to have,” gaenm@addisonindependent.com.

Thank a veteran for your freedom We at the Vermont Veterans’ Home desire to express our gratitude to every U.S. military veteran, past of appreciation and present for their unwavering service to our country.

Let us all remember, if not for their assurance of liberty, we would not have the rights and freedoms their sacrifice bestows on us all. We live in the greatest nation on earth because of their commitment to Duty,

Notes

A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017 — PAGE 9

Honor and Country.

Please join with me and thank our veterans and their families for their service on this Veterans Day. Thank you.

Melissa Jackson CEO / Administrator Vermont Veterans’ Home Bennington

Aftermath (Continued from Page 5) take anything away from them, they came home heroes and treated as such. The Vietnam veterans, not so much,” he said. “I did what I honestly believed in at the time. And if I were asked to do it again, I’d do it with a better understanding of what I agreed to than when I did it.”

Torrey and his father rarely discussed their war experiences.

“He wouldn’t talk about the ravages of war.

He would answer questions, but he wouldn’t initiate conversations about it,” Torrey said. “I think that was pretty typical of many World War veterans, too. They didn’t grandstand. They just did what they needed to do and went on with their lives.”

But Sonny Torrey believes there is value in discussing those experiences.

“I think talking about it is therapeutic in a lot of ways. It does get it out. You do get a chance to hear yourself say your thoughts rather than holding them inside and wondering how you really feel. Sometimes it’s helpful to see

someone’s reaction to what you’re saying and thinking,” he said.

Torrey remains in contact with members of his platoon and has attended a half-dozen reunions over the years.

“The bond that develops is remarkable. When you can honestly put your life in someone’s hands and know they will do everything in their power to make sure you survive, and that’s tested, that develops a closeness, a bond that you just can’t break,” he said. “I refer to the people I served with as my brothers. I would do anything for any of them.”

And he appreciates it when someone notices his Vietnam veteran hat and says thanks.

“It’s maybe just a validation for doing something you should have done, and that people appreciate it. I don’t think anyone is out there looking to be glorified or put on a pedestal, but being thanked for my service means something to me. It really does.” Torrey said. “I just think it’s great that people aren’t afraid to come up and shake your hand and say thank you.”

1st Lieutenant Elisabeth Kilbourn RN, Bristol • 1944

2nd Lieutenant Velma Watson Wheeler RN, Woodstock • 1944

Serving Our Veterans

PAGE 10 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017

Bristol American Legion, Inc. Post 19

We salute all military personnel for the sacrifices they have made for our freedom.

Brick forms for the Memorial are still available.

56 Airport Drive, Bristol, VT 05443

•

(802)453-2951

The Bristol American Legion Post 19 meets at 7pm the 4th Wednesday of every month.

Honoring our country’s Veterans – past, present and future

Thank you for your Service VERGENNES

American Legion Post #14 Auxiliary Unit # 14 Sons of the American Legion Sq. #14

Help is always available, no matter the time or day

VA counselors are available 24 hours a day, call toll-free at 1-800-273-8255

To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hotline for veterans. To operate the national hotline, VA is partnering with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can call 1-800-273-8255 and press “1” to reach the VA hotline, which will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. The call is free and confidential. Some of the reasons to call are below: • Call to speak with someone who cares.

• Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself.

• Call to find referrals to mental health services in your area.

• Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you’re concerned about.

Vermont veteran and family outreach available 24 hours a day at 1-888-607-8773

The Vermont Veteran and Family Outreach Program operates a 24-hour call center available to all veterans, military members, and their families in Vermont. They have 10 outreach specialists spread across the state that can take the time to help you and your family. Some of the reasons to call are below: • Call to have someone help you figure out what programs can best help you and your family.

• Call to get help traveling to VA medical appointments.

• Call to find out how to get screened for traumatic brain injury.

• Call to talk to a fellow veteran who can relate to the difficulties you may be facing.

911 available 24 hours a day

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others, or if you know someone who is in immediate danger of hurting themself or others. Although the other organizations listed on this page are better suited at working with people experiencing mental distress, the folks at 911 are in the best position to help when physical harm to a person is imminent.

211 available 24 hours a day

To find out what resources are available in your local area, just dial 211 from any phone.

The operators are available 24 hours a day, and the call is free and confidential. You can also visit their website — vt211.org — for more information. Some of the reasons to call are below: • Call to find out what assistance is available from state agencies.

• Call to find out what is available from private organizations in your town.

• Call to find out what veteran benefits might help you in your situation, and who can help you apply for them.

Local assistance is available 24 hours a day

You can also get help from counselors in your local area who are not affiliated with the VA or the military. Below are the locations and numbers of where you can find 24-hour coverage. We recommend contacting the location closest to you.

Bennington - (802) 440-3300 Bradford - (800) 639-6360 Burlington - (802) 863-2400 Manchester - (802) 362-3950 Middlebury - (802) 388-7641 Montpelier - (802) 229-0591 Newport - (802) 334-5246 Randolph - (800) 639-6360 Rutland - (802) 775-1000 St. Albans - (802) 524-6554 St. Johnsbury - (802) 748-3181

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Elderly Services 112 Exchange St., Middlebury

Serving Elderly Veterans & Their Families Since 1981 We are a Veterans’ Administration Contract Adult Day Center

Proud to provide service to those who served.

John Fuller, Master Plumber • 388-2019 Serving Addison County since 1989

Champlain Valley Equipment thanks all of our Veterans.

We appreciate the sacrifices you & your families have made to preserve our precious freedoms.

www.champlainvalleyequipment.com 388-3983 • www.elderlyservices.org

“Thank you for your dedication and service.”

A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017 — PAGE 11

Thank you for your Service.

453 Exchange St., Middlebur y • 388-4967

FOOTE’S

INSURANCE AGENCY We Salute Our Veterans – Past and Present Miller-Ketcham & Mallory Funeral Homes

Roofing and Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

388-2903

802-877-3118

877-3351 • 877-6784

6 Green Street, Vergennes

Gary C. Stanley, Director & Veteran of 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (Sep.) 26 Franklin Street Brandon, VT 05733 • 247-5704

PAGE 12 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 9, 2017

Honoring All Who Have Served Thank You For Securing Our Freedom

Veterans –

Thank you for your service!

16 Creek Road, Middlebury • 388-6054 • M - F 7:30 - 5:30, Sat. 8 - 3 www.countrysidecarpetandpaint.com