Heroes get their due at VFW Dinner
Nov 14, 2014
By Sharon Space-Bamberger – reporter/photographer
Receiving special awards were three VFW couples who have given years of extraordinary service to the VFW and the Auxiliary. From left: SC VFW Commander Peter D. Carmeci, Honoree Al Etkin (wife Esther is deceased), Shawanga Mountain Post No. 4947 Commander Johnny Miracle, Vice Commander and dinner emcee Howard Goldsmith, Honorees Betty and Verl Ringgenberg and Honorees Arthur and Sandy Flynn.
Two days before Veterans Day, over 150 people attended the annual Sullivan County Council of the VFW Dinner at the Eagle’s Nest. They honored America’s heroes, many of whom were present.
Chaplain Al Etkin intoned the invocation and benediction. County Commander Peter Carmeci Sr. led the Pledge of Allegiance. All joined in singing the National Anthem with Lori James and paid tribute when Adjunct PDC Verl A. Ringgenberg narrated the poignant Missing Man POW/MIA Ceremony.
A special part of the ceremonies was the presentation of Gold Star Mothers pins to Mabel Brucher in memory of her son Sgt. Andrew C. Brucher, and to Kathleen Kropat in memory of her son Army Pfc. Jason Kropat.
Also honored was US Navy veteran Joan Whalan of Highland Lake, a recipient of the National Defense Medal. Joan lied about her age to enlist in World War II at 16.
Keynote speaker was Naval Commander (Ret.) Dennis Baker, who grew up in Cochecton and last year wrote the novel “Restless Hearts: What if Fallen Heroes Could Go Home?” In it, Baker used names of soldiers in the area – among them VFW Posts namesakes Allan Milk and Andrew Brucher – to fashion a story of “five fallen soldiers coming home to find closure.” (See sidebar for excerpts from his speech)
“I am humbly grateful to all of those American servicemen and women who have served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Carmeci said. “If you pass a veteran, always thank them for their service.”
State Commander William “Doc” Schmitz said, “What a well-run function. I had such a great time. I was very honored to meet such a great group of people. On the way up… I met some dedicated VFW members handing out poppies in Otisville. I had to stop and say ‘hi.’ What a great bunch.”
Also present at the dinner were County Vice Commander and Dinner Emcee Howard Goldsmith, SC Veterans Service Agency Director John Crotty, District 2 Commander Sakima A.G. Brown, District 2 Auxiliary President Debra Castella, County Auxiliary President Betty Ringgenberg and Congressman Chris Gibson (R-19).
Honors were given to honorees by Sullivan County Legislator Kathy LaBuda; Linda Cellini, representing Senator John Bonacic; Minnette Kramer, representing Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther; and Congressman Gibson.
The Keynote
Excerpts from Dennis Baker’s speech:
“I’ve met many veterans who through the years became increasingly aware of their special connection to military service and yearned to seek out their brothers and sisters in arms. Not surprisingly, many of us find our military service memories become more important over time. Enjoying long-time friends at reunions or remembering those with whom we served is an important part of many veterans’ lives.…
“I believe that each one of those departed is with us today. It is their example of strength that keeps us coming back each and every year. I believe that the spirit of Andrew is so strong in Mrs. Brucher’s heart that it allows her to set the extraordinary example of a mother’s love that is only shared by that coveted club of Gold Star Mothers.…
“We hear a lot about final words from fallen warriors. Well, I’m here to testify to all that there is no such thing as final words. They speak to us everyday. It might be while we are driving, sleeping, or gathered on such an occasion as this. Veterans Day is a day for all Veterans.…
“In the end, we need to know – it was not really about a cause… or a country… or an institution… or a branch of service. It was only about you and the warrior next to you. And you should confirm in your hearts an understanding that the sacrifice you made for each other will not be casually dismissed by shallow people or revisionist history – neither of which will ever be able to meet a fraction of the trust or commitment that you (at tremendous costs) laid upon on the battlefield of life.”