Veteran's Corner: Louis White

ST. JOHN - A long-time third generation St. John farmer and veteran was recognized for his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, receiving a Quilt of Valor.

Louis White, 91, of Spokane Valley, received a quilt honoring his time served from the Greater Spokane Valley Quilts of Valor group.

Born and raised in St. John, Wash., White joined the United States Army ROTC program in college in 1952.

"I graduated as a commission officer from Eastern Washington College of Education," said White, noting it was what Eastern was called at the time.

White spent four years of active reserve going through his college years, then went to officer candidates school after graduating college.

"Then I was sent to Korea," said White, adding his job was a motor pool officer.

"You have the regimental vehicles, tanks, small artillery and all the vehicles for that," he said. "Had to see that they were running and in good service."

The most memorable time White remembers of his service is the 17 months he spent in Korea in 1956 and 1957.

"The war was supposed to officially be politically over in 1953, but I was with a South Korean unit and there was infiltration," said White, noting North Koreans would sneak into camps dressed as South Koreans or as civilians.

"They were in for no good," he said. "They split our canvas tents. They were in there to do harm and destroy equipment."

Upon his tour in Korea, White said he was put into the reserves for his remaining time and honorably discharged in 1962.

"My father had the farm and I married a farm girl," said White. "We ended up taking over the family farm."

White said though he never really had a desire to farm and had studied financial industry, but when he came home his father was sick.

"I had the opportunity to farm, so I stayed and took over the family farm until I retired," he said.

White said he would later end up moving to Spokane in 2017 when his wife became ill to be closer to his oldest daughter and has been there since.

As advice to anyone joining or thinking of joining the military White said it is a great opportunity.

"If you have nothing in mind of what you wanted to do in life there are a lot of opportunities in the military to go into a trade school of your choice," he said, noting the trades can be used in civilian life.

"It was an experience of a lifetime," he said. "I will never forget."

Greater Spokane Quilts of Valor group leader Diane Watters said the Quilts of Valor Foundation has over 600 groups nationwide, over 11,000 volunteers, fulfilling a mission to honor the men and women who have served.

"We're approaching 400,000 veterans services members that have been touched by war," she said. "We cover them with our quilts because it's comforting and healing for them."

White was honored and surprised by receiving the quilt.

"It's a very beautiful quilt and the women did a very good job," said White. "I was told during the presentation that all of the quilts they make nationwide, there are no two alike."

"It's hard to believe that beautiful quilt I have," he said. "I have it here on my davenport. Very, very nice."