Veterans honored as veterans wall is revealed

By KERI ANDERSON

November 12, 2020 at 10:40 am CST

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U.S. Navy veteran Joe Anson listens as VFW Commander Gary O'Daniels speaks during during a Veterans Day program Wednesday morning at Creston’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Ballfield. During the program, members of the VFW unveiled a wall honoring Union County residents who have served in the U.S. military. Six veterans were also presented with Quilts of Valor made by Margaret Kneedler. (CNA photo)

The opening ceremony for Union County Veterans took place 11 a.m. Wednesday at Creston’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Ballfield.

Six community veterans were presented with quilts of valor made by Margaret Kneedler of Creston. Those receiving the honor were World War II Army Sergeant Ed Naven, Korean War First Class Army Private Glen Walter, First Class Army Sergeant Robert Day, Vietnam War Air Force Sergeant Jean Benoit, Navy Petty Officer Tom Hawks and Iraq War Marine Lance Corporal Natasha Van Brunt. Recognition was given and tears were shed as approximatley 150 people gathered to honor these veterans on Veteran’s Day.

VFW Commander Gary O’Daniels, VFW Quartermaster Denny Abel, and Veteran of the Week Joe Anson gave words of thanks to those in the community for making the event possible. Singing “God Bless America” was Maddie Travis, followed by a ribbon cutting by Anson, after a group of honor guards unveiled the Union County Veterans Wall to the public.

To submit the name of a Union County Veteran to be added to the wall, message Denny and Carolyn Abel on Facebook or mail information to VFW Post 1797, P.O. Box 153, Creston, IA 50801.