Post 170, Westcliffe, Hosts Legion Family Veterans Day Salute

Honoring veterans is an American Legion Family effort at Westcliffe Post 170. Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members came together to host a dinner honoring all who have served and those who are serving in the military. Eighty-six veterans and their guests attended the dinner on Nov. 10. Entrees of roast beef and fried chicken, rice pilaf, and non-alcoholic beverages were provided.

Vietnam Marine veteran Brad Bradberry acted as master of ceremonies and opened the dinner with the Pledge of Allegiance. Vietnam-era Air Force veterans Joy Lowe and Department Commander Carol Kennedy then did the Post Everlasting Tribute. Vietnam Air Force veteran and Post Commander Jim Qualey gave opening remarks and introduced distinguished guests, turning the microphone over to Commander Kennedy for remarks and a huge thank you from the Department of Colorado.

Following opening remarks, World War II Army Air Corps veteran Forrest Gompf (pronounced the same way but spelled differently than the Forrest Gump in the movie released in 1994) stepped up as the guest speaker for the dinner. Gompf spoke for 30 minutes about his experiences in WWII, paid tribute to veterans of all eras and spoke extensively on the value of our Constitution and why the United States is the greatest republic on the planet. Dinner was then served.

After dinner, the floor was opened for “Veterans Voices.” Over 20 people took the microphone and told the story of their service and what it meant to them.

Post members, Auxiliary members and SAL members all pitched in to prepare the dinner, decorate the room and serve the dinner.

Photo of WWII Veteran Forrest Gompf