Letter: Appreciated vet honor

Dear Editor,

I just want to comment on the welcome-home ceremony conducted by the New Richmond VFW on behalf of me, my brother and the additional veteran who came all the way from Missouri to participate in this event.

First, I would acknowledge my sister, Sharon (Livermore) LaCosse, for setting it up. She has a big heart, and Jay and I love her very much.

Secondly, I appreciate the New Richmond VFW, in particular Lee Shourds and Dave Green, for honoring us in this simple but moving ceremony.

Third, I would like to recognize the sacrifice of one of my other brothers, Mark Livermore, for his six years of service in our local National Guard unit. His service is as important as that of any other veteran, and he is my hero along with my brother Jay.

Lastly, I want to say how proud I am of the military tradition in my family. My dad tried to enlist in World War II but was not accepted because of a health condition and was mustered out of the service.

My Uncle Jack Livermore served with Company C in the island hopping in the South Pacific. Another uncle, Gordon, served in the Army Air Corps in WWII.

And, I would recognize the service of all veterans of all services and all campaigns. I salute you.

One other item I would like to clarify is that I did not receive the award of the Silver Star while in Vietnam. The actual award that I did earn was the Valorous Unit Award (you can Google it and read about it) that was earned by my unit (Echo Recon 1/5 1st Air Cavalry Division, Airmobile) for service in Cambodia from May 1 to June 30, 1970.

It is awarded to units that displayed exceptional valor in combat over an extended period of time and is considered “the unit equivalent of the individual award of the Silver Star.” I just don’t want people to get the impression that I am claiming the award of the Silver Star when I did not earn one.

Tags: opinion, hudson, letter, veteran, honor