Hardy County Historical Society Museum was visited by Hardy County Veterans Saturday, November 9, 2024. Many had not been to the museum before and they were interested in the displays and added some background information for us to have. Steve Vaughn showed us where his office was!
Veterans present served in the US Army, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, with some veterans serving in more than one branch, such as Gerald “Jake” Pratt, who served in the Army SeaBees, Navy and Marines. Their service spanned from the “50s to present day in various wars and conflicts: Vietnam, Desert Storm, Bosnia, Lebanon, Somalia, Cold War, Grenada, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Veterans shared some of their experiences and the effects it had on them and their families. They all said, “And, I would do it all again.” That speaks volumes about the character of our Hardy County Veterans.
Veterans expressed the desire to become more involved with the schools and have the opportunity to talk about what the service gave them, what they learned, the history involved and the importance the service has in the shaping of our country. The Historical Society plans to work with the school system to develop programs where veterans and students interact. The HCHS sees this as a great opportunity to bridge education with in person global experience from Veterans in Hardy County.
The men in attendance from top of steps, right to left: Mike Coby, Steve Wendelin, Jim Burton, Bob Cross, Ed Porter, Ed Klinovski, Roy Ratcliff, Jeff Fraley, Steve Vaughn, Jake Pratt, Joe Delawder and Charles Coby.
Thank all veterans.
