By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer

Three brief lessons about military culture will be imparted to Hood River County residents attending Wednesday’s Veterans Day ceremony.

“We have a great educational program planned and are pleased to provide a way for the community to say ‘Thank you’ to those who have served our country,” said Jack Trumbull, chair of the Veterans Service Council, which plans the annual event.

“All too often, in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, we forget to thank our veterans, so we urge everyone to take time to do that on Wednesday.”

The program begins at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave. The location was changed from the Hood River National Guard Armory due to major renovations that are still underway.

Sergeant First Class Gary Norris will open the program by addressing the protocol behind a Color Guard’s posting of the national and state flags. He will also explain the meaning of the three-volley rifle salute and playing of taps at the close of a military ceremony.

“We want to provide the citizens of our nation with an opportunity to learn more about military history/tradition and how these events evolved into customs. So, when they see the presentations taking place, they will have a greater understanding of what they mean,” said Norris.

He has a pivotal role at the Nov. 11 observance as the new commander of American Legion Post 22. In that role, he will be presenting memberships to two World War II Army veterans: Elizabeth Putnam and George Akiyama.

“I am very proud, on behalf of the Legion, and as a soldier, to be honoring these two veterans with a membership to Post 22. This is a small token of our respect for their distinguished service to country and it is the least that we can do for them,” said Norris.

The Air Force will also be well represented at Wednesday’s event. The keynote speaker will be Antonio “Tony” LaCorte, a retired AF master sergeant who is currently employed at Insitu in Bingen. Acting as master of ceremonies will be Lynn Guenther, a retired AF colonel and decorated veteran of the Vietnam conflict.

The invocation will be given by Pastor Dan Armstrong, a retired AF colonel and chaplain.

LaCorte earned numerous commendations, meritorious service and achievement medals in five theatres of operation during his 21 years of service with the Air Force. His decorations include a Humanitarian Medal for his participation in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia

LaCorte logged in more than 600 hours of flight time as the crew chief for a B-52 bomber. In addition to Operation Restore Hope, he participated in Operation Desert Shield (Kuwait), Operation Deny Flight (Bosnia/Croatia/Herzegovina), Blue/Green Lightning Show of Force (Korean peninsula), Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

“My military service has given me a global perspective with respect to how other countries look at world issues, such as war and freedom,” said LaCorte.

“We are not alone; everyone wants the same things, they just go about it in different ways.”

In January, LaCorte will head back to Afghanistan in his role as Insitu’s aviation safety officer. He will be working for several months in the field with military personnel that deploy the company’s Unmanned Aerial Systems for reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence purposes.

He holds a master’s degree in systems safety/space studies from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is awaiting dissertation approval to obtain his doctorate from Northcentral and Embry Riddle Cooperative.

LaCorte and his wife, Melanie, make their home in North Bonneville with daughter Alexandria.

Another highlight of the 45-60 minute Nov. 11 program includes vocalist Harmony Allaway of Trout Lake singing the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.”

A video montage of area veterans, compiled by Trumbull, will be shown in conjunction with the playing of each military branch’s fight song.

National Guard soldiers will perform the rifle salute and trumpeter Kate Brownback will close the program with taps.

n

American Legion Post 22 will serve breakfast on Veterans Day from 7-10 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 304 Cascade Ave.

Members of the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion will receive a free meal, as will children under the age of 12. The cost for all other adults will be $7 and tickets will be sold for gift basket and 50/50 drawings.