A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018 — PAGE 1
A Salute to
Veterans WW II Vet Takes an Honor Flight By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — Thousands of people each year tour the Marine Corps War Memorial near Washington, D.C. Based on the iconic photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, the memorial immortalizes the six soldiers who raised the second American flag on Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi on Feb. 23, 1945, thus heralding the beginning of the end of the U.S. campaign in the Pacific during World War II. Middlebury’s Ron Hadley is one of the few living Americans who can look at that memorial scene and say, “That’s how I remember it.” Hadley, 97, personally witnessed the flag raising at Iwo Jima through field glasses as he stood on the deck of the USS Thurston (AP 77) troop transport. Thanks to the North Country Honor Flight (NCHF), Hadley was recently able to view — for the first time — the stunning (See Honor, Page 2)
CONTENTS
Bucky still keeps giving back ......................................3 Reed fights to help vets keep benefits.......................4 Sheldon’s WW I exhibit closing Nov. 11...................10 The Forgotten Protector...............................................12 Bridport bells to commemorate World War I..........13 Bells to ring in Middlebury..........................................13
ADDISON INDEPENDENT November 8, 2018
PAGE 2 —
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018
A Salute to
Veterans
Navy Nurse Judy Bragg, RN 1968-1970
Proudly Serving Our Veterans
RON HADLEY, LEFT, SHAKES hands with one of around a dozen motorcyclists who escorted the World War II veteran to Plattsburgh International Airport, where he began an all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital to tour around 10 memorials honoring U.S. servicemen and women. Hadley was the lone Vermont veteran on this particular “Honor Flight.” Photo courtesy of Max Krauss
In honor of our nation’s Military Veterans, please visit Cannon Park this weekend and view the Rotary Flag Project in recognition of our local Veterans.
ROTARY CLUB OF MIDDLEBURY
Honor (Continued from Page 1) Marine Corps tribute and a series of other Washington, D.C., memorials honoring veterans like himself. “You recognize what it meant to you and what it meant to our country, ” Hadley said of his Oct. 19 trip. “That’s what the objective of all this was. I think this trip was certainly advantageous and I take my hat off to the people who put it together and have kept it going.” Hadley, formerly of Lincoln, was one of four regional World War II veterans who took part in the all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital. Three of the four participating veterans were New Yorkers; Hadley was the lone Vermonter. Each was allowed a companion to help them during the trip. In Hadley’s case, it was friend Liam English. Hadley’s many friends — including fellow Rotarian Roth “T” Tall of Cornwall — have long admired his service and believed he was deserving of the NCHF trip. The non-profit NCHF was founded in 2013 with the goal of introducing area veterans to the memorials that were built in their honor. The NCHF has thus far made 17 flights, bringing a combined total of 254 veterans to D.C. for whirlwind tours of national tribute sites. All four men got VIP treatment. Hadley was driven to the Plattsburgh airport in a
cortege that at times included cruisers — with sirens and lights flashing — representing Middlebury Police, Vermont State Police, New York State Police and United States Park Police. Around a dozen motorcyclists representing various veterans’ groups also tagged along. Hadley is indeed one of Addison County’s most distinguished veterans. He was raised in California and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 while studying business administration at San Jose State University. He was allowed to complete his college studies prior to shipping off to boot camp at Columbia University in July of 1943. Hadley made the grade at Columbia, graduating with an officer’s commission (ensign) in November of 1943. He received orders to report to Little Creek, Va., where he dispensed — and received — training in the use and deployment of small boats. The “small boats” were 36-foot LCVPs (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) or 50-foot LCMs (Landing Craft, Mechanized). They were the troop-transport workhorses of the major invasions during World War II. Ultimately, Hadley was assigned to the Thurston AP77, which he boarded in New York City in March 1944. After much training, Hadley participated in some of the most critical military (See Flight, Page 5)
A Salute to Veterans
A Salute to
Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018 — PAGE 3
Honoring All Who Have Served Thank You For Securing Our Freedom
16 Creek Road, Middlebury • 388-6054 • M - F 7:30 - 5:30, Sat. 8 - 3 www.countrysidecarpetandpaint.com
It’s an HONOR to recognize our Active Duty & Retired Veterans for all of the sacrifices they have made. IT MATTERS! From all of us at Monument Farms,
THANK YOU... CLIFFORD “BUCKY” BARNES, Vietnam-era veteran, Addison resident and longtime Vergennes insurance broker, returned from service in 1969 and traded in his Navy uniforms for civilian garb, including countless stints listening to children’s Christmas wishes wearing red and white as jolly St. Nick.
Independent photo/Andy Kirkaldy
Years after his military service ended, Bucky still giving back By ANDY KIRKALDY ADDISON — Addison resident and Rutland native Clifford Barnes, better known to all as Bucky, has donned clothing of many colors for many duties over the course of his 76 years. As a successful John Hancock insurance agent from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s, mostly working out of his North Main Street home in Vergennes, Barnes stuck with business casual attire. Over many decades he has worn bright red and white as Santa Claus during annual holiday festivities in Middlebury and elsewhere. During his many appearances as Shriner
clown “Bucket,” Barnes’ costume included white greasepaint, orange hair and sky-blue eye shadow — and of course the traditional red nose and bowtie. But from 1964 to 1969 Barnes wore uniforms with a more limited color palette, one based on white and Navy blue. In 1964 U.S. men of a certain age were hearing from the Selective Service System as the war in Vietnam began to ramp up under the Johnson administration. Barnes, then 22, was no exception, but rather than the draft he chose the Navy. “The Army was after me and almost came (See Bucky, Page 14)
Monument Farms Dairy Weybridge, VT 545-2119
PAGE 4 —
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018
Reed fights to help the goverment keep its promises to veterans By CHRISTOPHER ROSS 1991, when he began working as a Veterans’ LEICESTER — “You’re a pain in the butt,” Richard Employment Representative at the Vermont Reed’s boss once told him. “But you’re doing something Department of Employment and Training (now important.” Labor). An eight-month economic recession had Decades (and perhaps a few ruffled feathers) later, Reed just ended, but employment recovery was slugstill approaches his work with an gish, and as Reed looked ever-changing ratio of skepticism around he saw that his and hope, but his persistence has “One thing (vets) all clients lacked not only jobs remained constant and the work he have in common is basic but homes. does today is just as important as it “You started seeing a training. It’s effective at was when he began: lot of homeless vets,” he Reed advocates for Vermont’s mili- stripping away personrecalled. “It became a real tary veterans. problem.” ality and teaching you Reed describes his job this way. Typical of his “see a “I would wake up and say, ‘I get to obey orders, yes, but problem you can fix, fix to fight with the federal government it” mindset, Reed asked it also teaches people today,” he said with a chuckle. himself, “What else can we Reed served in the U.S. Coast to look out for the other do?” Guard Pacific Area command in With a few like-minded Thailand and Hawaii during the guy. More than anything, individuals, he found Vietnam War and finished his service that’s what we all carry an answer: Friends of RICHARD REED OF Leicester has advocated for veterans for deon the New England Atlantic Coast. Veterans of Vermont and cades in many ways, including as co-founder of the organization away.” “As vets we all have different New Hampshire. He helped Friends of Veterans of Vermont and New Hampshire. — Richard Reed found the organization in experiences,” Reed said. “But one A few years later, Reed attended the meeting that chartered thing we all have in common is basic 1994 with the mission of training. It’s effective at stripping helping fellow veterans and their the Vermont post of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Chief away personality and teaching you to obey orders, yes, but families avoid homelessness. That organization is still going among that organization’s goals has been to “hold governit also teaches people to look out for the other guy. More strong. Over the last five years, according to its website, ment agencies accountable for following laws mandating than anything, that’s what we all carry away.” Friends of Veterans has financially assisted more than 300 veterans health care,” which in part means helping Vietnam (See Reed, Page 7) Reed has been looking out for Vermont veterans since vets with more than $160,000.
Saluting our Veterans
Middlebury American Legion 49 Wilson Rd., P.O. Box 28, Middlebury, Vt. 05753 • 802-388-9311 • legionpost27@aol.com
A Salute to Veterans
A Salute to
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018 — PAGE 5
Veterans
Nequid et et pliciendia consequi aperi odit minis natem. Agnis earibus, aspero vel et anti commolum, quibeat dolut exceprovide consequam voluptinctam ad escipsam, sed mo coriae et atem consed undist volorenimus minis sequis ende lant labor autas que nihilluptia n
Flight (Continued from Page 2) during a November 2012 interview with the Independent. His amphibious landing craft that day was carrying 36 people, most of them combat engineers equipped with plastic explosives designed to take out any Nazi obstacles left on the beach. As they got closer to the beach at Normandy, the landing craft reverberated with the sounds of explosions and gunfire. “Just as the ramp dropped, they started a crossfire of machine gun fire right across the
bow of our boat — and this is the part that is always tough to live with — I have every belief that all 36 guys were killed immediately,” Hadley said during the interview. The four boat personnel, including Hadley, were protected behind steel compartments and survived the deadly volley as they raised the ramp and headed back toward the U.S. fleet. There, Hadley and his crew loaded more soldiers for what would be the 27th wave. This trip went a lot better. These and other scenes played back in
Hadley’s still-keen mind during his recent D.C. trip. “When you got there, it brought back memories — both good and bad — of your wartime experiences,” he said. While Hadley can still walk with the aid of a cane, he and his fellow veterans were offered the comfort of wheelchairs as they were escorted from site to site. Their stops included the U.S. Air Force Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery, and the World War II, Korea and Vietnam memorials. Participating veterans were able to take photos and hear details about the sites they
visited. Hadley and his companions received jackets and other goodies from the NCHF. “It was very impressive,” Hadley said of the weekend trip. Unfortunately, Hadley met no one from his World War II days. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, only 496,777 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive. “There aren’t too many out there any more,” Hadley said. “My buddies in the military are all gone. I don’t know anyone who I served with who’s still around. It’s a dwindling population.” Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@ addisonindependent.com.
JACKMAN FUELS, INC.
The Addison Independent Salutes all of our area Veterans - past and present.
Serving Addison & Chittenden Counties Since 1945
Family-owned Local Business PROPANE • ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HEATING OIL & KEROSENE 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE WATER HEATERS & RINNAI HEATERS
ADDISON COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
VERMONT’S TWICE-WEEKLY L NEWSPA P PER Middlebury, VT 05753 • (802) 388-4944 • ww w.AddisonIndependent.com
877-2661 205 Main Street, Vergennes • www.jackmanfuels.com
PAGE 6 —
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018
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
Through all the wars and conflicts, we’ve been here — serving homes, farms and businesses in Addison County since1943.
67you Years ofserve Service Thank to all who our community both 1943-2010 at home and abroad. Serving Addison County Seymour Street
1943
Seymour Street,
1943
“Making Friends Warm isis our Business!” “Making Friends Warm our Business!” “Making Friends Warm is our Business!” “Making Friends Warm is our Business!” Gasoline Gasoline
Gasoline C ard a CCess C ard a CCess Gasoline
C
a
24 H our 24 H our ard CCess C ard a CCess 24Oil H our 24 H our • Heating Oil • Heating
Exchange Street,
2010
Heating Oil • Plumbing Heating • •Plumbing andand Heating
• Heating Oil
Service and Installation Sales,Sales, Service and Installation • Plumbing and Heating Sales, Service and Installation
• Petroleum Equipment • Petroleum Equipment
Exchange Street
• Plumbing and Heating
Service and Installation Sales,Sales, Service and Installation • Petroleum Equipment
2018
Sales, Service and Installation
Sales, Service and Installation
Owned Operated by MacIntyre the MacIntyre Family since Owned and and Operated by the Family since 19431943
• Petroleum Equipment Exchange Street, Middlebury • 388-9260 • 388-3014 213213 Exchange Street, Middlebury • 388-9260 • 388-3014 213 Exchange Street, Middlebury • 388-9260 • 388-3014 Owned and Operated by the MacIntyre Family since 1943
Sales, Service and Installation
Plumbing & Heating • Petroleum equiPment • Heating oil
“Making Friends Warm Is Our Business” Owned and Operated by the MacIntyre 213 Exchange St., Middlebury • 388-9260 • 800-735-3530 Owned & Operated by the MacIntyre Family Since 1943
Family since 1943
213 Exchange Street, Middlebury • 388-9260 • 388-3014
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018 — PAGE 7
Reed (Continued from Page 4) vets navigate the convoluted benefits system maintained by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA). “I discovered the problems there were much greater than I had known,” Reed said. “I was talking with vets who had given up on the VA system.” So, when the Vermont legislature in 2004 created a state service officer in the Montpelier VA office, Reed applied for and got the job. The work consolidated his employment and volunteer advocacy in one place. It also allowed him to do more oneon-one work, which was the most important part of his work. “The goal was to have a service officer come within 40 miles of the residence of each and every vet in the state — at least once a month,” he said. In 2005 he signed up for Facebook to reach out to younger veterans who were communicating mainly through social media. “Afraid I drew the line at Twitter,” though, he said. In 2011 Hurricane Irene launched one of the busiest periods of Reed’s career as a VA service officer, as claims related to post-traumatic stress disorder went up dramatically. “It pushed some people over the edge,” he said. “Or their spouses finally dragged them in (to the VA offices). Spouses are a great resource.” Not only was Reed helping vets file claims with the VA but he was also
distributing emergency money through his office’s discretionary fund. “People would call us and say things like, ‘My fuel tank just floated away,’” he recalled. In spite of all his work, there were some people in the statehouse who weren’t convinced Reed’s position was “necessary,” he said. So he confronted the House Military Affairs Committee with a VA application — “28 pages, including instructions.” The government claimed the forms required only an hour and a half to complete. Reed begged to differ. “Many vets were just throwing it away and walking off,” he said. Something so simple as helping them fill out the forms was an indispensable service. In the end, not only did he preserve his job as service officer, but he went on to become Veterans Services Director, establishing two more service-officer positions. During his term he filed more than 1,700 claims in Vermont and in his final year, 2014, secured more than $5 million for vets and their families. Though he was proud of the numbers, expanding the state’s service-officer program was perhaps the greatest accomplishment of his career, Reed said. “The need for that will never go away — not in my lifetime, anyway. Not as long as we continue to fight wars.” Even in retirement Reed continues his work. As an accredited veterans’ claims agent (a sort of freelance gig) he specializes in appealing rejected VA claims, which, he
Let’s never forget what they did and why.
Ron Holmes
is a supporter of the Disabled American Veterans and would like to salute all vets on Veterans Day and everyday.
noted disapprovingly, are on the rise. “Vets can’t go in there and scream and yell at the VA or they’ll have the police called on them,” he said. “But I can get away with it. (Plus I know all the cops that work at the VA anyway.)” The most difficult part of his work involves representing the spouses of veterans who died by suicide, Reed said. According to a report released this year by the VA, 20 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States, and the rate is increasing. Reed told the story of one widow who was so traumatized by her husband’s death
that she was incapable of explaining her situation to the VA. “I can’t go over it again,” she told Reed as she handed him the paperwork. Reed shook his head at the recollection. “We don’t know the answer to this, but we have got to figure something out,” Reed said, shaking his head. If he could wave a magic wand, Reed said, he would ensure that each and every vet got one-on-one help. “The best way to help people is to talk to them.” Reach Christopher Ross at christopherr@ addisonindependent.com.
In honor of those who have served and who continue to serve. Thank You. www.JackmansInc.com • 32 Pine Street, Bristol
453-2381
PAGE 8 —
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018
A Salute to
Vet
Lucien C. Farnsworth U.S. Air Force Korea, Japan and Germany
Bradley S. Lilly
Captain United States Air Force Norwich University ROTC Cadets
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
Thankful for your service. Very proud of you and all of your accomplishments.
Submitted by Roger and Cindy Cloutier and Heather
Submitted by Alicia Prime
Arthur Putnam
Sargent Army Fort Devens, Mass. Proud of all you accomplished and even more proud of “our” hero. Forever in our hearts -Your wife and children Submitted by Sandra Putnam
Michael Prime
United States Army Fort Hood, Texas We are incredibly thankful for his service to our country. We love you more than words.
Submitted by Jacqueline Prime
terans
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018 — PAGE 9
Christopher PJ Cousino
Commander Navy U.S. Navy Yard, Washington, D.C.
Marc Prime LCPL United States Marines Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Once a Marine, Always a Marine -We are so proud to have you as our Marine! Love you always and forever.
Submitted by Heidi Prime
Lawrence T. Grace
We are proud and grateful to you, all active duty military, and all veterans for your service and dedication. Love, Dad and Mom
Submitted by Rod and Shelly Cousino
Larry Grace Jr. CWO 5 National Guard Afghanistan, 2 Tours
All of your family is very proud of you. You are very loved. -Mom
Submitted by Hazel G. Grace and Family
CPL Army Korea
Even though you are no longer with us, thank you. -Your Whole Family.
Submitted by Hazel G. Grace and Family
Eric Luster E-4 U.S. Navy Stationed Globally
Dedication, Service, Honor, Sacrifice
PAGE 10 —
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018
A special Thank You to those who have served and those who continue to serve.
Addison County Commission sAles, inC. Thomas G. WisnoWski & sons RT. 125, EasT middlEbuRy, VT 05740 www.accscattle.com • 1-800-339-2697 • ACCS: 802-388-2661
Our Firm Honors All Veterans Who Have Served Their Country Land Surveying, Topographic Surveying, Land Planning, Septic Design and State & Local Permitting “We will assist you through the permitting process.” 25 West St. • PO Box 388 • Bristol, VT 05443 Telephone: 802-453-3818 • Fax: 802-329-2138 • www.larosesurveys.com
Proud to provide service to those who served. John Fuller, Master Plumber • 388-2019 Serving Addison County since 1989
DR. JACOB ROSS, flight surgeon for the 17th Aero Squadron, poses with pilots near the battlefields of World War I France in this photo, which is a part of the Sheldon Museum’s “Doughboys and Flyboys” exhibit, which closes this Sunday.
Museum’s WW I exhibit features local heroes ‘Doughboys & Flyboys’ is closing Nov. 11
MIDDLEBURY — Nov, 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending World War I. It is also the last day to see the exhibit “Doughboys and Flyboys: World War I Stories by Vermonters from the Home and Battlefront” at the Sheldon Museum in Middlebury. The exhibit tells many stories about Vermonters who fought in the war, and the families who waited for their return. The Sheldon’s exhibit has made an impression on the many local visitors and those from around the world who have seen it. Their comments include: • “Loved the stories of the brave men who fought for our country’s freedom.” • “No words to describe it.” • “Moving to tears.” • “WWI exhibit was phenomenal!” • “Awesome and humbling WWI exhibit.” • “Especially enjoyed reading the correspondence letters between Jacob Ross and Elizabeth. I felt as if I was there as they were written — thank you for the rich detailed history of a time that I know very little.” Many mentioned that the exhibit demonstrated what a deep impact the World War I veterans and their sacrifices (and more broadly, all veterans) have had on generations of Americans. One such story central to the exhibit is that of Dr. Jacob Johnson Ross, M.D., and
his wife, Hannah Elizabeth Holmes Ross. Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is an appropriate time to recall all World War I veterans, but the story of Dr. and Mrs. Ross and the subsequent careers of their four children and some of their grandchildren are illustrative of commitments by Vermonters to national service and active citizenship. The two Ross sons served in the military during World War II, as did two of their sons-in-law, while three of their grandsons were officers in the military during postCold War eras. Currently one great-greatgrandson, a graduate of Mount Abraham Union High School in Bristol, serves as an officer in the U.S. Army and has had one tour in Afghanistan. The Sheldon’s exhibit highlights the World War I service of Dr. Ross as the flight surgeon for the 17th Aero Squadron stationed in France and the letters he exchanged with his wife, Elizabeth, who remained in Middlebury caring for their three children all under age 10. These letters are part of the Sheldon’s extensive archives. Ross writes of witnessing the horrors of war and attending to the physical and emotional needs of the young pilots and the support staff of the squadron. Elizabeth writes of the impact of the Spanish Influenza in the towns of Middlebury and Charlotte, the resulting local illnesses and deaths, and the scarcity of (See Sheldon, Page 11)
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 453 Exchange St., Middlebury • 388-4967
THE FOUR SURVIVING children of World War I veteran Jacob Ross and Hannah Elizabeth Holmes Ross — Katherine, Austin, Helen and Charlie — were all accomplished adults, each of whom was a World War II veteran or wife of a veteran.
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018 — PAGE 11
Sheldon (Continued from Page 10) medical doctors in Vermont. Foremost throughout the letters are their expressions of love for one another and their shared anticipation of his eventual return and their reunion. The letters cease in late March 1919 just before his return to Middlebury. There is no written recording of the family’s suffering upon the death of five-year-old daughter Ruth, their middle child, who succumbs to bronchial pneumonia, often a symptom of the Spanish Influenza, just weeks after his return home. Born in Huntington on July 14, 1877, Dr. Ross was the son of Austin H. Ross and Catherine Johnson Ross and raised on the family farm. Mrs. Ross grew up on the family’s apple, Merino sheep and Morgan horse farm on Lake Street in Charlotte, a beautiful lake-front property just south of the Charlotte town beach and the Holmes covered bridge. After attending public schools in Huntington, Jacob Ross entered the Montpelier Seminary with the Class of 1900, subsequently moving on to the Agricultural Department of the University of Vermont, where he graduated in 1904. He then changed his course, entered medical school at UVM and received his WHILE SERVING IN France during World M.D. in 1908. It is here that he met his future War I, Dr. Jacob Johnson Ross, M.D. of Midwife, Hannah Elizabeth Holmes, who was dlebury wrote touching letters home to his born Nov. 20, 1881, to Charles T. and Clara wife, Hannah Elizabeth Holmes Ross. Russell Holmes of Charlotte. She had attended Burlington High School and was class of 1906 raising three children, and as a middle school at the University of Vermont, where she was math teacher. Her husband served in the U.S. elected to Phi Beta Kappa. They were married Navy as a navigator on a PBY, and both their on June 12, 1909. sons served in the military during the Vietnam Their children Katherine Ross (1910-1986) era, one as a naval supply officer aboard a and Austin Holmes Ross (1916-1992) were mine sweep and the other as special agent and joined after the war by siblings Charles Robert captain in the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Ross (1920-2003) and Helen Russell Patterson Investigations. (1922-2008). These children and subseAustin graduated from UVM in only three quent generations were inspired by Dr. and years and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, as Mrs. Ross. Katherine graduated from Abbott was his mother. A celebrated athlete, Austin Academy, Radcliffe College, and received a was a 1973 UVM Hall of Fame inductee and graduate degree in French history from Mills one of the top scholar-athletes ever at Vermont, College, followed by a successful marriage, (See Anniversary, Page 15)
We Thank You! Agway Thanks all Veterans and Military Personnel for your service to our country.
You’ve served us – now let us serve you! Visit Agway Fri, Sat or Sun 11/9–11/11 for a
FREE PROPANE FILL
(up to 20lbs.)
PLUS… an extra 10% OFF ANYTHING in the store! Including items already on sale! MANY IN-STORE SPECIALS
From Clothing to Pet Food and Supplies, all Veterans and Military Personnel will SAVE an Extra 10% on their entire purchase!
MIDDLEBURY AGWAY 338 Exchange St., Middlebury • 388-4937
www.middleburyagway.com
OPEN
7 DAYS
Monday - Friday 8-6, Saturday 8-5 • Sunday 9-4
YOUR YARD, GARDEN AND PET PLACE™ Dr. Robert Austin, Optometrist
WITH RESPECT, HONOR AND GRATITUDE WE CELEBRATE THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED. EMERGENCY & ROUTINE EYE EXAMS • FASHIONABLE EYEWEAR • CONTACT LENSES Open Monday 8-4, Tuesday-Friday 8-5 • Call for an appointment today!
27 Main Street, Vergennes (802) 877-2422
AUSTIN, RUTH AND KATHERINE ROSS, children of Dr. Jacob Ross of Middlebury, sat for this photo while their father was away in France serving in the U.S. Army during World War I. Ruth died at age five from the Spanish Influenza just weeks after her father returned from his military service.
PAGE 12 —
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018
The Forgotten Protector
poetry
Oh, the burden that they bear, For those of you who don’t even care. The weight of millions on a few, Men and women who fight for you. They gladly make the sacrifice, So, you don’t have to pay the price. Freedom doesn’t come for free, You can’t just pick it from a tree. Liberty sometimes needs a fight, Something that requires all their might. So, when you’re lying in your bed, Take a moment and think of all the blood they shed.
– Matthew Gorton
Flags for vets
ONE WAY AMERICA honors its veterans is by flying our country’s flag above the graves of men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. Flags decorated the graves of some veterans in the Bridport Central Cemetery on a recent afternoon.
Editor’s note: Matthew Gorton of Bristol is a veteran of the United States Air Force.
Independent photo/John S. McCright
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.
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018 — PAGE 13
Bridport churchbells to commemorate end of First World War BRIDPORT — Members from two neighboring congregations in Bridport will join forces to ring a church bell together at 11 a.m. this Sunday, Nov. 11, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending the First World War. One flight of stairs up from the sanctuary inside Bridport Congregational Church is where the rope will be tugged to cause the church bell to ring 21 times at 11 o’clock. Congregants from Hope Community Fellowship will walk the short distance from 52 Middle Road, where they meet for worship services, to Bridport Congregational Church at 55 Middle Road to join in with the bell ringing. Jeff Kauffman pastors Hope Community Fellowship and Tim Franklin is the pastor of Bridport Congregational Church. The World War One Centennial Commission — along with the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Cathedral, The American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars — has coordinated a nationwide bell-tolling on Nov. 11 as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice and service of veterans of the First World War and all military veterans. “Bells of Peace: A World War One Remembrance” encourages citizens and organizations across the nation to toll bells in their communities 21 times at 11 a.m. local time on Nov. 11. “I encourage American Legion posts to participate and to encourage participation at local houses of worship, schools, town halls, firehouses, police stations -- anywhere people
may gather on that day to honor and remem- page includes links to poetry, music, sacred ber,” says John Monahan, the Legion’s repre- service options, and more. sentative on the World War One Centennial World War I took place between summer Commission. 1914 and autumn 1918, and is among the The nationwide program is designed to honor deadliest conflicts in world history. The United American men and women who served 100 States officially entered the war on April 6, years ago during World War I, especially the 1917. Some 4.7 million Americans stepped 116,516 who died. The war ended by an armi- forward to serve in uniform, of whom 2 million stice agreement between the warring countries were deployed overseas to fight. at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, Individuals and orga1918. nizations are signing Program director up online to participate Betsy Anderson calls in the bell tolling and Bells of Peace a “grassto follow-up after Nov. roots effort within 11 with photos and communities. What video of their service or we’re hoping is for ceremony. Posts will be To mark the centennial of the people to see this and added to the commisend of World War I on Nov. 11, say, ‘Oh, we have a bell, sion’s permanent many churches and other organizawe could toll it. What archive. tions in downtown Middlebury will else can we do to recog“It’s a good opporring their bells this Veterans Day, nize those veterans who tunity to put our veterSunday, Nov. 11, at 11:11 a.m. — the served in World War I?” ans’ service in historimoment the Armistice was signed. The World War 1 cal context and for Organizers of the bell ringing, led Centennial Commission people to recognize by Dick Wien of New Haven, had as has a page on its website and commemorate the of press time signed up St. Mary’s — ww1cc.org/bells — service and sacrifice of Catholic Church, St. Stephen’s where people can find all veterans,” Anderson Episcopal Church, Congregational information and tools says. Church of Middlebury, Middlebury to conduct a bell tollCongress established United Methodist Church, Town ing, and to meaningthe United States World Hall Theater and the Mead Chapel fully commemorate the War One Centennial at Middlebury College to particiservice of their local Commission in 2013 pate; more could join. World War I veterans. to provide educaThe Bells of Peace web tion programs, public
Thank you for your Service.
Bells to ring in
Middlebury
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Elderly Services 112 Exchange St., Middlebury
Serving Elderly Veterans & Their Families Since 1981 We are a Veterans’ Administration Contract Adult Day Center
802-877-3118
outreach and commemorative events regarding U.S. involvement in the war. The commission is also authorized to create a new national memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor the men and women who served. Worldwide, between 15 million and 19 million people died during World War I, and another 23 million were wounded. The industrial age had industrialized death and Europe became the factory floor for new weapons and new means of killing from tanks and airplanes to gas and machine guns. The war had started in 1914, and the killing continued without let-up until Nov. 11, 1918, when the Allies and the Central Powers signed an armistice that ended the slaughter. Just about every city, town, and village felt the pain of the war. France alone lost nearly 1.7 million people on the battlefield or by disease. The United Kingdom lost between 860,000 and 1 million. The United States, which entered the conflict on April 6, 1917, lost more than 116,000 service members. By early November 1918, the Allies broke through on the Western Front. German forces were decisively beaten, and American, British, and French forces were advancing on Germany. The other Central Powers — Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire — had already stopped fighting. Germany signed the armistice in a railroad car in the Forest of Compiegne. It was to take effect Nov. 11, 1918 at 11 a.m. Peace seemed like a miracle to a tired world. “Bells burst forth in joyful chimes,” began a report in a London newspaper. Big Ben in Westminster tolled long and loud, and its ringing was copied in belfries around the city. In Paris, people took to the streets with joy and relief. Bells in Paris pealed and people in the city from around the world cheered the end of the fighting that claimed so many lives. In New York City, the Armistice was at 6 a.m., but New Yorkers still took to the streets. The bells of the city’s great houses of worship rang out. The same thing occurred across the United States. Armistice Day was supposed to mark the end of the “War to End All Wars.” It is now called “Veterans Day” as Americans honor the veterans of all wars and conflicts. The United States World War One Centennial Commission wants all Americans to honor the sacrifices of those killed in World War I and participate in the Bells for Peace program on Nov. 11, 2018. At 11 a.m. on that date, retired Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, who served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will oversee the bells of Washington’s National Cathedral tolling 21 times in honor of those lost during World War I. Several thousand communities nationwide will also participate in the program.
“Thank you for your dedication and service.”
Roofing and Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication 388-3983 • www.elderlyservices.org
388-2903
PAGE 14 —
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018
Bucky (Continued from Page 3) into the house to get me because they figured I knew something,” he recalled. Well, what did he know? “Got me. I sure as heck didn’t know too much,” Barnes said with one of his ready laughs. The truth of the matter was the Army recruiters really didn’t stand a chance — Navy blue blood ran in his veins, inherited from his father and grandfather, both U.S. Navy veterans. Rather than wait for the draft, Barnes signed on. Sitting in the Addison home he has shared for the past 27 years with life partner Effie Cole, Barnes poked fun at his decision. “I was so sharp in those days that I got my notice from Uncle Sam that we want you for two years, and I said, no you’re not going to get me for two years. So I signed up for six in the Navy,” Barnes said. “Now that’s sharp.” IN THE NAVY According to Barnes, his first step in the service was discovering hidden talents. “I just went in there and took my test, and took my battery test, and fared the best in electronics, and I didn’t think I even knew how to put a battery in a flashlight. And they said you could be an electronics technician. And I said, well, yeah, OK,” he recalled. “And math was my worst subject in high school, but I gained a lot while I was in the Navy. I learned all that good stuff.” Then came boot camp and a series of schools in fields such as electric power, nuclear power and nuclear recovery. The schools lasted until late 1965, a period during which he made stops in Illinois, Maryland, New York and Idaho.
“And then they turned me loose, right on the ship in Little Creek, Virginia,” Barnes said. That ship was the USS Pulaski County, an almost flat-bottomed World War II-era ship designed to carry tanks, vehicles, cargo and troops directly onto shorelines that lacked docks or piers. Of his service on the Pulaski County the longtime American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars member prefers to say little, other than sleeping on the boat during stormy passages, such as a trip from Virginia to Panama, was not easy due to its lack of draft. “It was rough. You had to tie yourself to your rack,” Barnes said. His duties varied. “I was an electronics technician, machinist’s mate, and anything else they wanted me to do,” Barnes said. In 1967 Barnes was assigned to the USS Austin, a newer amphibious warfare ship designed to transport troops — 300 marines and their gear, in the case of the Austin — and equipment for expeditionary warfare missions. Among the tasks the Austin performed was helping to recover Apollo space capsules when they splashed down in the Caribbean, guarding a fuel depot in Puerto Rico, chasing a Russian submarine up the East Coast from the Caribbean almost all the way to New York, and thwarting plans for an island dictator to steal cash. “We had to put explosives around his ship. He had a ship full of money,” Barnes said. “We put explosives around it in case he decided to take off with it.” Another trip was arguably less vital for the national interests.
“We took an admiral fishing. We had a 600-foot boat with 300 Marines and they had their exercises, and we took an admiral off fishing in the middle of the ocean. That was exciting,” Barnes said. Well, did the esteemed visitor catch anything? “I don’t know. I was just a peon. They don’t talk to us,” Barnes said. RETIREMENT After his service years Barnes was immediately hired as a John Hancock agent, served a couple terms on the Vergennes City Council, and did well U.S. NAVY VETERAN Bucky Barnes is known as Shriner enough to retire about clown “Bucket.” The Addison resident, who enlisted and two decades ago. He has served six years in the 1960s, is also an accomplished accorkept busy as a collector, dion player and instructor. Independent photo/Andy Kirkaldy by playing Santa Claus (he and Effie Cole laugh like the old-timers. One played fiddle, one and spin anecdotes about being recognized in would have a box, or whatever, a washtub diners by kids who sat in his lap) and apply- base and the whole nine yards,” he said. “And ing his Bucket makeup for appearances that they’d sit around, and my grandmother would inevitably include driving mini 4-wheelers in play her piano, and then she’d get her violin, parades. and she’d get her accordion out. I used to He also developed a love for music at a enjoy that.” young age, and played all along in Navy bands. Now he collects as well as buys and sells Although he grew up in Rutland, he spent accordions, and also teaches the accordion summers at his grandparents’ Lake Champlain to the next generation. And although he no camp, and inherited the music gene from his longer plays at many dances, he still performs grandmother — he would sit on her lap while twice a month at Middlebury’s Helen Porter she played piano and learn songs. Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center with “They’d have a bunch of people come in, (See Barnes, Page 15)
A Salute to Veterans
Barnes
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018 — PAGE 15
Anniversary
(Continued from Page 14) a repertoire that ranges from polkas to The Beatles. MILITARY INFLUENCE And the military is still part of his life. Barnes remains in touch with many of his friends from his Navy years. “I haven’t seen any of them, but I call them. We talk on the phone three, four times a year,” Barnes said. Cole — whose husband, also a veteran, died almost three decades ago at the age of 54 — said some bonds can’t be broken. “You can have that relationship for 50 years. They’re like brothers,” Cole said. Sadly, there are fewer of those friends. Barnes said in the past year three friends have died from mesothelioma, a lung cancer caused in their cases by exposure to the asbestos insulation used in older ships. “We were always fixing pipes and valves and putting new insulation on the turbines,” he said. “I’ve had three of my shipmates die of it. On one ship that’s kind of unusual.” The veterans’ organizations also play a role in Barnes’ life, although he worries about excessive drinking among some members. He signed up for the American Legion before he got out of the Navy and Vergennes Post 14 was set to bestow 50-year membership honors on him on Nov. 3. “My father was a member in Rutland,” Barnes said. “He just said if I was in the service I should join the Legion because they do so much for veterans. And I’ve always wanted to help out the veterans.” Barnes said over the years he has supported veterans’ causes and helped individual veterans
when he could, and he appreciates the organizations that do the same. For example, he cited Post 14’s support for youth baseball and the city’s Memorial Day parade, and its dedication to installing ramps for local handicapped citizens. Cole noted Post 14 also offers wheelchairs and walkers to those in need. “A lot of people don’t realize that,” Effie said. “You ask and you receive. They’ve got a storage shed full of that kind of stuff.” And, she said, the Legion clubhouse offers veterans a place to share what only they can truly understand. “I do think in this era, with coming back from Vietnam and this war we’re in now, that the closeness of some of these younger fellows that go there, and like he said they do a lot of drinking, but they’re together with their peers. And I think they feel better when they’re there,” Effie said. “There’s therapy in it.” As for his time in the Navy, while Barnes since then has worn many hats — and different kinds of clothes — he regards those six years in uniform as crucial as any to forming who he is today. “I look back at it as an experience that could be surpassed by none. You run into circumstances where you grow up in a hurry,” he said. “It made me more responsible, responsible for my actions. I learned a lot that I probably never would have learned in other fields.” Barnes also believes everyone should serve. “I think every young man should go in the service and do his obligation, because freedom is not free,” he said. “I’m not saying everybody should be involved in combat, but do your duty if you can.”
in Hinesburg and he continued to serve on the International Joint Commissions (Canada and the United States). Their son Charles Robert Ross II was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives from Hinesburg, served on the staff Sen. Patrick Leahy as State Director, was appointed Vermont Secretary of Agriculture by Gov. Peter Shumlin, and is currently UVM Extension director. The second surviving daughter, Helen Russell Ross, graduated from the Northfield School for Girls, Radcliffe College, and earned a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from Middlebury College. There followed a successful marriage and even while raising four children Helen found time to devote to local politics. The children and subsequent generations of Dr. and Mrs. Ross always summered in the Lake Champlain Valley, many owning or renting seasonal camps at Long Point in North Ferrisburgh. There, Dr. and Mrs. Ross purchased a camp in 1920; it is still in the family. Vermont remains the permanent home to members of the succeeding three generations. As we recognize those Vermonters who served in World War I, don’t miss “Doughboys and Flyboys” at the Henry Sheldon Museum. The Ross family is only one of many celebrated in the exhibit. The Henry Sheldon Museum offers a diverse, in-depth look at the history and art of the Mid-Lake Champlain region of Vermont. The Museum is located at One Park Street in downtown Middlebury across from the Ilsley Library. For more information call 388-2117 or visit HenrySheldonMuseum.org.
(Continued from Page 11) Austin H. Ross was elected to the Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary All-American team in 1961 along with such great football personalities as the late Vince Lombardi and former Oklahoma football coach Bud Wilkinson. A small college All-American football player in 1936, he also was captain of the Catamounts that season, his senior year. In addition, the cum laude graduate co-captained the track and field team and won letters in basketball and tennis. While at UVM, Austin was a member of several honoraries, including Gold Key, Sophomore and Military Honoraries, Scabbard and Blade and was a consistent Dean’s List student in engineering. He also won the Phelps Prize in Civil Engineering, the Kidder Medal for character, leadership and scholarship and athletic attainment and the Loyal Legion Saber for military and scholastic excellence. Austin served in World War II as an officer in the Engineering Corps was subsequently owner of a successful construction firm in Anchorage, Ky. Austin’s son Scott Ross was a naval aviator serving during Desert Storm 1991, retiring as a commander. The second son, Charles “Charlie” Robert Ross, graduated from University of Michigan in 1941, served in the U.S. Army in World War II, returning on the GI Bill to earn an MBA and JDL in 1948. While an attorney practicing in Burlington, Vt., he was appointed to the Federal Power Commission by President John F. Kennedy and reappointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. He and wife, Charlotte, returned to Vermont and raised Morgan horses on their farm “Taproot”
Thank you to all active Military and to all Veterans who have served so courageously.
Thanks to our Veterans for Keeping us Connected to our Freedoms.
Our deepest appreciation for your service in your work to protect us and to promote peace in the world. -
Rod & Shelly Cousino
Cousino Financial Services 23 West St. Bristol, VT 453-2497
Telecommunications Sales & Service Data Cabling & Fiber Optics 802-388-8999 John and Jim Fitzgerald
Rod Cousino is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of, and offers securities and investment advisory services solely through Equity Services, Member FINRA/SIPC, 354 Mountain View Drive, Suite 200, Colchester, VT 05446 (802) 8646819. ESI is independent of all named entities unless specified. TC104369(1018)1
Respect. Honor. Sacrifice. Thank you to all of our Veterans!
We remember and honor those who have given their lives defending our freedom and democracy. Sanderson -Ducharme Funeral Home
M-F 7am - 4pm, Sat 8-noon
1786 Route 7 South • Middlebury, VT
388-2296 24/7 Pager Service
Locally Owned and Operated On Site Cremation 117 South Main Street • Middlebury, VT • 388-2311
PAGE 16 —
A Salute to Veterans
Addison Independent, Thursday, November 8, 2018
WE ARE PROUD OF OUR VETERANS!
Wishing Everyone a Happy and Safe Veteran’s Day!
Hybrid Repair Center FA M I LY O PER ATE D SINC E 1982
Let our experience navigate you.
NEWLY LISTED 3-bedroom, 2-bath charming Cape on 3.5 acres in Bridport built by Connor Homes is close to Middlebury College. It has the feel of a traditional New England home, including a remodeled kitchen. In addition to two large bedrooms on the 2nd floor, there’s a convenient bedroom & bath downstairs. The 2-car garage is connected with an enclosed breezeway/mudroom. Back deck, full basement and more! $279,900
SOME OF OUR SERVICES:
BRAKES • EXHAUST • CHECK ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS • SUSPENSION OIL CHANGES • ENGINE REPAIR • TIRES PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
ALIGNMENTS • COMPLIMENTARY IN-TOWN SHUTTLE
802-388-7620
www.countytirecenter.com 33 Seymour Street | Middlebury, VT Monday – Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 8am-12pm • Closed Sunday
Back Row (L – R): Edward Foster, Harmon Thurston, Alfred Kloeckner, Daniel Ference, John Shubert, Paul Hamlin, Richard Soper, James Murray, Milton Hughes Front Row (L-R): Franklin Fisler, William Miller, Paul Meyer, Frank Wilbur, Charles Bolliger Not Pictured: Fredrick Pratt, Lenore Lawry, Arnold Abelson, Ronald Gingold, Edward Haggerty, James Holden, Mary Markle, David Andrews, Robert Pidgeon, Frank Rose
Follow Us!
Bonnie Gridley 802-349-8646 • bgridleyvt@gmail.com Kristine Kimball 802-349-7505 • kkimballvt@gmail.com Cory Cheever 802-989-0859 • cheever.cory@gmail.com www.midvthomes.com 802-388-0505 • 101 Court St., Middlebury, VT