Veterans Honored

LOCK HAVEN – Area Veterans were honored recently at Clinton County Veterans Affairs annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony held in conjunction with Lock Haven University on Monday, November 11, 2013. The ceremony was held at the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center at 11:00 a.m.

Master of Ceremonies was LTC Nikolai L. Andresky, Professor of Military Science at Lock Haven University. Welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Michael Fiorentino, Jr., President of Lock Haven University and guest speakers included Clinton County Commissioner Pete Smeltz, LHU Faculty guest speaker Dr. David G. Bower II, and Student Veteran guest speaker Sean MacMillen.

In addition to honoring LHU student and faculty Veterans, several awards and special recognitions also took place, including the awarding of the Ryan Graham Memorial Scholarship and the Dallas Braden Leadership Scholarship.

The Ryan Graham Memorial Scholarship was presented to Roger Elling by Graham’s parents Jeff and Sue Graham. Graham was a local soldier who served in Iraq and passed away on April 27, 2009 as a result of complications from his service-connected disability.

Also awarded was the Dallas Braden Scholarship Award, presented to Jeofferey Traore. The award was presented by LTC Andresky. Braden, originally from Lock Haven, was a ROTC graduate of Slippery Rock University who passed away in Afghanistan.

After the award presentations, Clinton County Piecemakers, a local quilting club, presented local Veterans with handmade quilts to show their appreciation. Finally, Student Veteran Sean MacMillen gave a special presentation of the United States flag that was used in the 9/11 Moving Tribute on September 11, 2013. MacMillen presented the flag to Ryan and Sue Graham.

Clinton County Veterans Affairs would like to thank Lock Haven University, the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, everyone who helped sponsor the scholarships and all who came out to the ceremony, making the event a very fitting tribute to our area Veterans.