Two local veterans were honored Wednesday at the Veterans Day program at Center Lake Pavilion.
John Sadler, Sons of American Legion Squadron 49, presented Fred Vining with the Meritorious Service Award, and Ken Locke, SAL, surprised Robert “Bob” Savage with the Order of Kosciuszko.
Sadler told those present at the program that the Service Award is given to “the person or organization that has supported local veterans, their goals, all the while acting above and beyond the call of duty.”
This year the award was presented to “a person who is quietly serving. He might be classified as a servant. This is, by definition, one who serves another; a volunteer; a person who voluntarily and willingly offers himself for service; and most importantly, a friend. A person who gives assistance without reservation,” Sadler said.
Vining is a father of four boys and grandfather of nine. He is active in local shooting sports, teaching young people about their Second Amendment rights and safety when it comes to firearms. Vining’s father served in Germany. He has served in shooting sports for the Legion, 4-H and also supported the Kosciusko County Shrine Club. He is a 13-year member of the Honor Guard.
Vining is a Commander and life member of the Sons of the Legion.
Vining said, “I just enjoy helping people and veterans,” as well as working with kids.
“The Order of Kosciuszko is given to honor Thaddeus Kosciuszko, who came to America from Poland and volunteered his services to the Continental Congress and Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War,” Locke explained. “His expertise in engineering was invaluable in developing fortifications, most notably at the site of what is now West Point, the United States Military Academy.”
Kosciuszko was brevetted a brigadier general and given American citizenship for his service, but he returned to his native Poland to fight for liberty for his homeland.
The Order of Kosciuszko is given annually to recognize a Kosciusko County resident who has given exceptional service to God, country and others in the spirit of the Revolutionary War hero.
The qualifications for the award are: honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. armed forces; resident of Kosciusko for no less than five years; and exceptional volunteer or public service given to others in the county.
Past recipients include Donald E. Frantz in 2004 and N. Bruce Howe in 2014.
According to Locke, Savage served in the U.S. Army and was inducted June 1, 1951, in Chicago. He completed courses on Oct. 1, 1951, at the Quartermaster School in Fort Lee, Va.
Savage was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. He attained the rank of corporal, serving overseas 1 year, 5 months and 17 days.
On May 14, 1953, at Camp Carson, Colo, Savage was “separated from active duty,” Locke said, and “given an honorable discharge from the Ready Reserve on Dec. 11, 1956.”
Locke said it was hard to find information on Savage because he lives a private and quiet life.
He is a member of Post 49, has been a long-time trustee and has served on the Honor Guard for many years.
“He is always there to ensure that veterans are laid to rest with dignity,” Locke said.
His other memberships include VFW Post 1126 and the Lions Club. He has made many trips to Mexico to help those in need through the Lions Eyeglass Assistance Program.
He and his wife, Marilyn, reside in Warsaw.
The annual Veterans Day program is sponsored by the John C. Peterson American Legion Post 49 and the James W. Sittler Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126
The program also featured music by the Kosciusko County Extension chorus, including the Armed Forces Medley and “Star-Spangled Banner”; the Pledge of Allegiance; a welcome by American Legion Post 49 Commander Dexter Wise; the tolling of the bells; an invocation and benediction by Chaplain Roy C. Blake; reading of the names of members of American Legion Post 49 and Veterans of Foreigns Wars Post 1126 who have died in the past year; and a 21-gun salute following by the playing of Taps. Featured speaker was Russ Bauer, Indiana Patriot Guard Northeast Indiana senior ride captain.
After the Veterans Day program Wednesday at Center Lake Pavilion, the American Legion Post 49 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126 Honor Guard presented John Sadler, McHatton Sadler Funeral Home owner, with an appreciation award at the Legion Post for all he has done for the Honor Guard.
(Story By The Times Union)
