Wednesday, Feb. 08, 2012

Veterans honored by VFW

Staff Report

Local veterans of the Korea and Vietnam wars and Somalia were honored recently at a special ceremony at Chowchilla's Richard Corbett Brown Post 9896 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

With some 50 family members and friends looking on, the post recognized four men as Distinguished Life Members. Post Commander Carlos Bedolla and post member and former Supervisor Vern Moss presented honorees with commemorative medals and certificates of commendation from the Madera County Board of Supervisors.

Pictures of the members taken during their military service and in civilian life will adorn the walls in the post meeting room.

The new Distinguished Life Members included Donald E. Schnoor, who served with the 1st Calvary in Korea; Lafayette Spradley, who served with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam; Henry Woods, who served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam; and Stephen Stewart, who served with the 10th Mountain Division in Somalia. Official documents, unit histories and information from the veterans and their families contributed to stories about the veterans before, during and after their wartime service.

The Chowchilla News will publish their stories about the service of each of the veterans in the coming weeks.

Patty Mandrell, editor of the News, and Peggy Haupt were given special medallions designating them "Friends of the VFW." They were praised for their involvement in supporting patriotic events for veterans and youth in the community.

Peggy Haupt led the group in singing "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America." Ladies Auxiliary members Jessica Bedolla and Shirley Moore prepared and served desserts after the ceremony.