Veterans awarded Quilts of Valor at Vet's Day assembly

POMEROY–The local school held a Veteran's Day celebration honoring those who have served our country with strength and honor with a Quilt of Valor presentation, patriotic songs and a slide show of local veterans.

Quilts of Valor Foundation member Alice Gwinn and her assistants Gwen Schwimmer and Shantae Cloud awarded seven quilts to local veterans. John Stephens served in the army from 1945 until 1947, enlisting before World War Two ended. His daughter Joanne Pederson works at Pomeroy High School.

Robert Desjardin served in the Air Force from 1955 until 1963. He served at Parks Air Force Base and Shephard Air Force Base, and two years in Japan. His expertise was refueling planes in the air, sometimes two at a time. He played on camp football teams in Mexico, Texas, and Japan.

Gene Smith served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves from 1966 until 1976. He now volunteers at the Senior Center, delivering meals.

Dan Burton served in the Army from 1977 until 1997. He was stationed in Germany and served in the Gulf war from 1990-91.

Lee Cloud served in the Navy from 1994 until 1997. He accepted the Quilt of Valor in memory of his father-in-law James Kerne.

Steve Jackson served in the National Guard from 1985 until 1993. He was with the 101 Airborne in Germany and was ranked a Sargent E-5 when he was discharged. He is a graduate of PHS.

Morgan Maddess served four years in the Army. He is now a Garfield County Sheriff's Deputy and is the PHS school resource officer.

Elementary students performed several songs and poems in honor of American veterans and PHS students created a slideshow to honor local veterans.