Church holds annual veterans service
Covenant Life Fellowship, 55 Pointview Drive, Washington, will host their 11th Annual Veterans Service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
As in previous years, State Reps. Brandon Neuman and Jason Ortitay and a representative from the Washington County Commissioner’s office will be in attendance, and citations will be presented to honorees. Members of the U.S. Marine Corps League Detachment 1138, CAP Washington Squadron 601, Pennsylvania Patriot Guard Riders, Claysville Legion Riders and First Frontier Mechanized Cavalry will participate.
During the service, the stories of three veterans will be told. This year’s honorees include Peter Ladisic of the Army Air Forces, a World War II veteran and Cokeburg resident who earned the Distinguished Service Cross and a Purple Heart; Jim Proudfit, a Marine and Vietnam veteran and resident of Washington; and Sergeant Reckless, the only decorated war horse that held official rank in the U.S. military.
Robin Hutton, author of “Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse,” will tell the incredible but little-known story of Sgt. Reckless, who served in numerous combat actions during the Korean War, carrying supplies and ammunition, and used to evacuate wounded. In 1953, during the Battle for Outpost Vegas, in a single day, the horse made 51 solo trips to resupply multiple front line units. She was wounded in combat twice, given the battlefield rank of corporal in 1953, and then a battlefield promotion to sergeant in 1954, several months after the war ended.
During the service, all veterans and active military will be recognized.