A SPECIAL PUBLICATION FOR THE DAILY JOURNAL – FARMINGTON PRESS – DEMOCRAT NEWS
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NOVEMBER 9, 2022
Thank you for your service
W
e, the staff at the Daily Journal, are pleased to honor our military and our veterans with our second edition of Stories of Honor. Those included in our Stories of Honor in 2022 are Darby Downey, Ryan Klaus, Melvin Brinkley, Don Barzowski, James Trotter, Mike Schoelhamer, Jerry Rawlins, Joe Holloway Jr., Ernie Cook, Pattie Smith, Vickey Bonney, and Gary Tune. In our community, veterans are our friends, our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, daughters and sons. Daily Journal Sales Manager Michelle Menley said, “We’re blessed to live in a country where every day we wake up and are free to live that day however choose … we get to encourage our children to pursue their dreams … no matter what those “Our debt to the dreams are. “We have these freedoms heroic men and because of the sacrifice of our valiant women in veterans.” Menley said her grandfather, the service of our father, and big brother are all country can never combat veterans. Daily Journal Editor Teresa be repaid. They Ressel Inserra appreciates everyone who has served the have earned our undying gratitude.” nation. “My son Joseph and daughHarry S. Truman, ter-in-law Angel are serving in President of the United States the military,” she said. President Harry S Truman said, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.” Many in our community feel the same way. They support our veterans. They honor our veterans. It can be as simple as a “thank you for your service.” Or it can be a gesture of a free coffee or a haircut. In the area, we see groups like Camp Hope and Camp Valor Outdoors who help veterans facing challenges after service. Camp Hope, located outside Farmington in southern St. Francois County, is a retreat for military veterans wounded in the War on Terror. Veteran Mike White and his wife Galia, created Camp Hope as a tribute to their son Christopher, who was killed fighting for our country in Iraq. The mission of Camp Hope is to honor the fallen by helping the wounded. They offer all expenses-paid adventures and comradery for “Warriors are our service men and women who gave selflessly for our never alone on freedoms. the battlefield and Camp Hope offers beautishouldn’t be alone ful rolling hills and hardwood ridges, perfect for hiking, when they come four-wheeling, hunting, fishback home. Healing ing, and exploring. Visits by honored guests often center in the great outon deer and turkey seasons. They offer first-rate facilidoors with Camp ties for combat-wounded Valor Outdoors and veterans -- in ADA-approved, accessible reconnecting with handicapped cabins. Camp Valor Outdoors is fellow warriors is another non-profit organitherapeutic and zation dedicated to military essential to healing.” veterans. They recognize and honor ill, injured, and wounded disabled veterans and their families through adaptive and competitive activities such as guided fishing, hunting, shooting, archery, 4-wheeling, or just simply relaxing around the campfire. “Warriors are never alone on the battlefield and shouldn’t be alone when they come back home. Healing in the great outdoors with Camp Valor Outdoors and reconnecting with fellow warriors is therapeutic and essential to healing.” There are the Patriot Guard Riders. They were founded in 2005 to shield families of fallen heroes from those that would disrupt the services of their loved ones. The Patriot Guard Riders has grown to include thousands of members across all 50 states in the US. They are a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) organization. They also honor first responders, as well as veterans. Additionally they have an active Help On The Homefront (HOTH) program, which provides assistance to veterans and their families. Then there is the AMVETS Riders who are a “dedicated and patriotic group of motorcycle riders who hold true to an unwavering respect for our Nation, our Flag, and our Military...past, present, and future. We are committed to the freedom of this Nation, to provide community service and fellowship, and to preserve and support the aims and goals of the AMVETS Organization.” These are just a few of the organizations in and around the community geared to helping veterans. Thank you for your service.
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Darby Ross Downey
Ryan Klaus
Pattie Smith
Melvin Lee Brinkley
Gary Tune
Vickey Bonney
Ernie Cook
Joe Holloway
James Trotter
Jerry Rawlins
Don Barzowski
Mike Schoelhamer
Nominate a local veteran for our 2023 Stories of Honor by emailing tressel@dailyjournalonline.com