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PCSD, Legion program fetes county’s oldest veterans
With four years in the U.S. Army and 40 as a nurse, Rosa Rivera knows a thing or two about toughness.
So even at 95 years old, the woman believed to be Putnam County’s oldest living female veteran wasn’t going to let a recent fall get in the way of doing something she wanted to do.
There she was at Greencastle American Legion Post 58 on Wednesday afternoon, days after a fall and just hours after getting out of the hospital.
Even with bruises from her fall still on her face, Rivera was full of joy, greeting everyone with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
The event, organized by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Legion, was set to honor the county’s oldest living male and female veterans with Veterans Day just around the corner on Saturday.
Rivera, of Greencastle, is believed to be the oldest woman, while 100-1/2-year-old Don Wilson of Roachdale was honored as the oldest man.
A B-17 pilot during World War II, Wilson shared stories of his time as a POW.
Having parachuted out of his plane, Wilson landed in a tree and was being shot at by a German civilian. Nazi soldiers actually saved him from the bullets, imprisoning him for the next nine months rather than shooting him.
He remained a POW until his camp was liberated by the army of famed Gen. George S. Patton, who Wilson remembers actually standing on a tank as Allied soldiers overran the gate of the camp.
Besides trading stories and being thanked for their service, Wilson and Rivera were each presented with a complimentary buffet dinner for two at the Putnam Inn.
A few years Wilson’s junior, Rivera actually served during the Korean War era, mainly at hospitals in Korea and Japan.
One of Rivera’s daughters recalled her mother’s reaction after the death of husband Enrique “Rico” Rivera three years ago.
A Marine veteran, Rico received military honors at his funeral. When Rosa was presented with the folded flag and thanked for her husband’s service, she commented that no one had ever thanked her.
When someone finally got around the thanking her on Wednesday, Rosa was going to be there, come hell or high water.
Deputy veterans honored
Stockton also used the opportunity to honor the merit deputies in his department who have served or are still serving in the armed forces.
“I think it’s important for all of us to take time to not only recognize all those who have served, but are also serving in the mission of national security,” Stockton said. “I am proud we currently have nine deputies with a military history. Three are still actively serving in the armed forces.
“As a tribute of service to all veterans, I am authorizing independent military branch longevity service stripes to be worn on their uniforms in addition to their law enforcement longevity service stripes.”
Stockton checked with the Indiana Sheriff’s Association and he believes this is the first time any agency has permitted military longevity stripes to be worn on sheriff’s uniforms.
“I’m hopeful this initiative will inspire other agencies to follow suit and permit those who have served and are serving to be recognized for the sacrifices they have made for all of us,” Stockton said.
The deputies received one longevity stripe for every three years of service. For those with armed forces service, the colors of their chosen branch are placed closest to the left cuff of their uniform, with gold and brown stripes higher up the arm.
Deputy Anthony Brown has 14 years of military service — 10 years with the U.S. Army and four with the Army Reserves. He is a sergeant first class, specializing as a maintenance mechanic. Brown said his time in the military has been a fulfilling experience.
Deputy Tanner Brown has five years of military service and remains active in the National Guard. He is a second lieutenant and specializes as an artillery fire officer. Brown said the military has been a great learning experience and he is extremely proud to be the third generation of his family to enlist with the Indiana Army National Guard.
Deputy Scott Ducker has seven years of military service with the Army National Guard. Ducker is a first lieutenant, specializing as a military police officer. He said he is proud to serve in the United States military. As an officer in the military, he has gained valuable experience in leadership and training.
Capt. Danny Wallace served eight years in the United States Air Force with an honorable discharge. He held the rank of staff sergeant with a specialty of security and law enforcement. Wallace said it was a great experience and if he had to do all over again, he would have stayed in and retired from the Air Force.
Maj. Dwight Simmons served eight years in the U.S. Army, two years active and six years inactive reserves, leaving with an honorable discharge. He held the rank of private first class E3 and his military operations specialty was infantry. He said the military taught him self-discipline and instilled a sense of honor and integrity. Simmons said he is thankful he made the decision to enlist and only wishes he had stayed in longer.
Capt. Steve Fenwick served eight years in the U.S. Marine Reserves leaving with an honorable discharge. Fenwick held the rank of sergeant E5, specializing as a field radio operator. He said being in the military was a great experience for him.
Deputy Riley Houghton served in the U.S. Army for seven years, leaving with an honorable discharge. Houghton was an E4 specialist, and his military operations specialty was infantry. He said it was a good experience serving in an organization bigger than him.
Reserve Deputy Rick Lambert served seven years in the military — four years full-time U.S. Air Force, two years Air Force Reserve and one year Army Reserve, leaving with an honorable discharge. He held the rank of sergeant (4) in the Air Force and private first class (E3) in the Army Reserves. His military operations specialty was a special electronics technician.
Deputy Randy Patrick served 12 years in the Marine Corps as a stinger missile operator in Iraq, and then was promoted to staff sergeant with the 4th Marine Division as a communications specialist in Indianapolis.
Four of these deputies — Wallace, Simmons, Anthony Brown and Houghton — were present to honor Rivera and Wilson on Wednesday. Tanner Brown was unable to attend because he is currently at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Deputy Ducker, ironically enough, was absent due to his ongoing service with the National Guard.