Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Honorees, from left, are, front row, Gordon Forgey, Alvin Brannon, Dave Barber and George Perry; and back row, Allen Cochrane, Bob McGinity, Gregg Wise and Frank Watson.
From left are George Perry, Judy Imler, David Barber and Sharon Ledbetter
Seattle resident David Barber poses with quilt.
COLFAX - The Quilts of Valor Foundation presented Vietnam veterans with commemorative lapel pins and quilts in a ceremony at the Colfax Methodist Church last Friday, July 29.
The Foundation's mission is to honor veterans with handmade quilts, offering a gift of gratitude and recognition that organizers say many Vietnam veterans were not afforded.
Friday's celebration was organized by Colfax's Quilts of Valor chapter, which is headed by Diana King.
"It's just such rewarding work," said King following the ceremony.
King's chapter meets regularly to quilt and plan new ways to honor veterans in events such as these.
"It's an instant family heirloom," said Vietnam veteran David Barber on his quilt presented by the foundation. Barber traveled from Seattle to attend the function.
Perry was just one of eight Vietnam veterans who were present Friday.
Other service members in attendance were Alvin Brannon, Allen Cochrane, Gordon Forgey, Bob McGinity, George Perry, Frank Watson and Gregg Wise.
Alvin Brannon, 75, lives in Colfax. Brannon served in the Army from December of 1967 to December of 1969. As a staff sergeant, Brannon was posted in Washington, Louisiana, Georgia, and Southeast Asia.
Allen Cochrane, 78, lives in LaCrosse. Cochrane served from 1966 to 1969 as a Marine sergeant.
Gordon Forgey, 76, lives in Colfax. Forgey served from March of 1968 to 1970 as an infantry sergeant stationed outside of Saigon in southern Vietnam. Forgey was injured in combat, earning two Purple Heart awards.
Dr. Robert "Bob" McGinity, 73, lives in Colfax. McGinity served from 1969 to 1972 as an Army combat medic sergeant, stationed initially in Texas before Vietnam and later California.
George Perry, 78, lives in Spokane. Perry served in the Navy from December 1962 to April 1966. The Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class served as radarman aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany, a heavy attack carrier stationed in the west Pacific.
Frank Watson, 79, lives with his wife Billie in Colfax. Watson served from 1960 to 1986 in both the Army and Air Force, earning the titles of colonel and base commander. Watson was stationed in Nebraska, California, Washington, and North Dakota.
Gregg Wise, 78, lives with his wife Sandra in Spokane. Wise served from 1965 to 1968 in the Army as an engineer equipment mechanic sergeant. Wise was stationed in Vietnam and Colorado.
Reid Thompson is an intern reporter at the Whitman County Gazette. Reid is enrolled at Syracuse University, where he studies journalism and international relations.
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