35 cents
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014
VOL. 2/ISSUE 29
1st Military Appreciation Day event a hit in Titusville Mary Kemper staff writer
mkemper@veteranvoiceweekly.com
“Something like this makes a lot of guys like me feel more appreciated.” Don Brown, an Army veteran of the Korean War, spoke for many who came to the inaugural Military Appreciation Day event at Searstown Mall, Titusville, May 17. “Just wonderful,” said Navy veteran Denise Boulet, a published author. Hundreds of people came from near and far to see performances by students from area high school Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps’ marching units and high-school bands, participate in a 5K Walk-Run, visit with dignitaries like U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, and Titusville Mayor Jim Tulley, a Navy veteran, and view products and services from dozens of vendor organizations. Posey took the stage with retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris, Medal of Honor recipient from Cocoa, to present World War II veterans with special VIP medals. (Editor’s note: Please see recent Veteran Voice coverage of Morris.) A four-ship “fly-by,” consisting of vintage planes from the Valiant Air Command, delighted the attendees. The range of veterans included all wars from World War II to the present, their families and
“I’ll tell you, I couldn’t have done it without the help of a lot of great people.” Military Appreciation Day organizer J.B. Kump friends, and those wishing simply to participate in honor of the day. Many veterans stopped to chat with vendors about their wartime service – all had fascinating stories. Brown, the Korean War veteran, told of his service in the Army’s 2nd Division, 2nd Ranger Company. “I’m partly here to find other Korean War vets who might know me or have served with me,” he said. “I’m actually being considered for the Medal of Honor, but my (commanding officer) passed away, and also a lot of the other guys I served with.” A veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, a former Army sniper, who declined to give his name, said he has been approached by the Pentagon to assist in the rescue effort of up to 300 Nigerian schoolgirls currently being held hostage by the terrorist group Boko Haram. “I feel bad about that situation,” he said. “But I served seven years,” he said. “Now I’ve got my own situation to worry about,” and he pointed to his wife, with their infant daughter in her arms. He is the father of three other children as well. A Naval JROTC cadet, Tony Wilker, stopped by on his way to
Staff photo by Mary Kemper Alvin Hughes, dressed in an authentic World War II uniform, stands next to a period Jeep he and members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, Titusville, brought to the inaugural Military Appreciation Day event May 17 at Searstown Mall, Titusville. Hughes is a retired 30-year Navy submariner, currently working as a contractor for an ordinance test unit. practice rifle drill to give an impromptu performance. The booth run by the Titusville High School JROTC unit did a brisk business selling baked goods to raise funds for the unit. Cadet sponsor Teresa Bohuszewicz said, “We will definitely raise a good amount from this. I’m so happy.”
In addition to the Titusville High School JROTC unit, other units participating included Space Coast High School and Astronaut High School. The Titusville Fire Department brought a ladder truck to display, and firefighters spoke with at-
See APPRECIATION page 2