'We paid the price': Veterans honored Monday at Monroe County Fair

MONROE — It's been a rewarding week so far for Gene Haman, a Korean War Army veteran who looks good for his age (94) and exercises daily.

Haman, who lives in Monroe, received a "Hometown Hero" award at a Toledo Mud Hens' game last week, and on Monday was honored as the oldest male veteran present at the annual Veterans Day program at the Monroe County Fair.

Haman received an American flag from state Rep. William Bruck, R-Erie, and Dale Biniecki during the program. Moments later, he received a gift certificate from Richard Janssens representing the Monroe County Farm Bureau. Haman, who works out at a gym five days a week, was accompanied by his son, Jeff.

Mary Pinchoff, 76, of Monroe received the same gifts for being the oldest female veteran in attendance. She edged out Sharon Herrera, an Army veteran from Monroe, by one year for the honor. But, Herrera didn't go home empty handed. She received a Vietnam Veteran lapel pin from Riling that is given to any veteran who served between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the end of that war, he said.

Jim Joslin, an Army veteran from Flat Rock, was feted for having the longest service in the military: 31 years. Ralph Berry, 41, of Oregon, Ohio, took home the award for being the youngest veteran present. An Army paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Division and a member of Monroe Plumbers Local 671, he watched the ceremony from the beer tent located next to the entertainment tent.

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The Corl Gaynier Post 1942, AMVETS, hosted the program and a procession of veterans that included about 130 veterans and supporters, said Joe Vitale, parade chairman. Wayne Blank Sr., an Air Force veteran and service officer, was emcee for the program and was assisted by Jerry Heck and Dan Gentner.

The legacy of Vietnam War veterans and their efforts to aid current veterans and military families with their veteran benefits was the focus of a main address by John Riling III, president of the Michigan State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

"We fought very hard to get our benefits," Riling said during his 15-minute talk. "We had to do it ourselves and we paid the price. We didn't lose that war. When I left, we were still winning..."

He said Vietnam veterans helped push the federal government to provide more benefits to cover costs of counseling for those veterans who came after them and who suffered from PTSD, alcoholism and thoughts of suicide.

"Our legacy is staying active in veterans' affairs and support and becoming a service organization that is getting everybody the benefits they deserve," he said. "Michigan has a good veteran service organization and we're still fighting for you."

Vietnam veterans are getting more respect today than they did when they returned home from the war, he noted.

"Today, a lot of you have heard people say `Thank you for your service'. Where was this 50 years ago? Better late than never," he said.

He said the VVA is the smallest unit in the "Big 6" of non-profit veterans' organizations nationwide. The others include AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and Purple Heart. 

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"If you're not in the system, talk to a service officer, even if you have been turned down in the past," Riling said. "There have been changes. You may be eligible. Do it for your spouse, if not for you."

There was a festive mood for the program, with patriotic music and dancing provided by the Bedford Cloggers and River Raisin Chorus. Rosalind Gaston, a member of the auxiliary to Monroe Post 1138, VFW, sang the national anthem, and Miss Monroe County Reese Johnson sang "America the Beautiful." The program ended with the crowd clapping along to the playing of "Red, White and Blue" by Toby Keith.

Patrons like Herrera, Air Force veteran Dennis Urbanczyk, Marine veteran LeRoy Zieske and Ron Niemann come every year to the program. Zieske, who served as London Township clerk for 21 years, remembers joining the Marine Reserves at age 17. Niemann, 76, an Army veteran, used to stay in a camper at the fair as a youngster when his father, Lester, was fair treasurer. Ron and Janet, his wife of 56 years, also enjoyed visiting the First Merchants Expo Center and Holy Ghost Lutheran Church food booth Monday.

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Inside the expo center, AMVETS shared an information booth with the Marine Corps League, American Legion and Military Families of Monroe County.

Dean Cousino is a retired Monroe News reporter who covered the Monroe County Fair for decades. Messages for Cousino can be sent to swisler@monroenews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Veterans honored Monday at Monroe County Fair