WOOSTER — For the third time in five years, Wayne County has not one, but two, veterans of the year as Cleo Thompson and Hal Fulton were recognized for their service and contributions at the annual Veterans Day ceremony Friday at the Wayne County fairgrounds.
Jason Winkleman, who introduced both honorees, said Thompson, an Army veteran, “served a country that wasn’t quite ready for integration at the time.” The African-American overcame biases and racism to serve in the military and be active among the veteran community in Wooster for the past 50 years through American Legion Post 68.
“He came home, and for the past 50 years he has made a difference,” Winkleman said.
On the nomination form, Thompson was described as a “real gentleman” and an …show more content…
Roger Meggyesy, a Vietnam War veteran, talked about the Honor Trip he took this past summer with 23 other veterans, their guardians and others. He was one of three veterans chosen to present a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “It was a humbling experience,” he said.
The group toured the memorials in Washington, D.C. The trip was organized by the Shreve American Legion and the Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative.
Meggyesy was moved by all those who came up to the veterans, shook their hands and thanked them for their service. It was a far cry from what he experienced coming home from Vietnam.
Crank, who was in Iraq and was personally involved in handing over Saddam Hussein to the Iraqi government the night before his execution, talked about the values of the military: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. From the American Revolution to the War on Terrorism, those serving in the military have engaged in acts of sacrifice to preserve the way of life in this …show more content…
They gave up time with their families and missed out on a lot of things, like birthdays, in order to serve their country.
Reporter Bobby Warren can be reached at 330-287-1639 or bwarren@the-daily-record.com. He is @BobbyWarrenTDR on
Jason Winkleman, who introduced both honorees, said Thompson, an Army veteran, “served a country that wasn’t quite ready for integration at the time.” The African-American overcame biases and racism to serve in the military and be active among the veteran community in Wooster for the past 50 years through American Legion Post 68.
“He came home, and for the past 50 years he has made a difference,” Winkleman said.
On the nomination form, Thompson was described as a “real gentleman” and an …show more content…
Roger Meggyesy, a Vietnam War veteran, talked about the Honor Trip he took this past summer with 23 other veterans, their guardians and others. He was one of three veterans chosen to present a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “It was a humbling experience,” he said.
The group toured the memorials in Washington, D.C. The trip was organized by the Shreve American Legion and the Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative.
Meggyesy was moved by all those who came up to the veterans, shook their hands and thanked them for their service. It was a far cry from what he experienced coming home from Vietnam.
Crank, who was in Iraq and was personally involved in handing over Saddam Hussein to the Iraqi government the night before his execution, talked about the values of the military: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. From the American Revolution to the War on Terrorism, those serving in the military have engaged in acts of sacrifice to preserve the way of life in this …show more content…
They gave up time with their families and missed out on a lot of things, like birthdays, in order to serve their country.
Reporter Bobby Warren can be reached at 330-287-1639 or bwarren@the-daily-record.com. He is @BobbyWarrenTDR on