Nov 11, 2019 3 min read

Herald-StandardMilitary veterans should be celebrated year-round. But this is the time of year when we pay special attention to the sacrifices made and the stories each one of them have to tell about their experiences or about their comrades who were unfortunate enough not to make it home.

In our area, we celebrate veterans like Dolores Gadd Onesko, who joined the U.S. Army in 1950 as a new high school graduate right at the time of the start of the Korean War. Now 88 years old, Onesko of Luzerne Township, was recently honored by the George Marshall AMVETS Post 103 Ladies Auxiliary for her service.

Her story begins as a classic love story. She entered the U.S. Army with her future husband, George, who lived just a few houses away from her in Ralph. He was sent to Kentucky and she was directed to basic training in Virginia. After other assignments in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Onesko received an honorable discharge in 1952. Two years later, the two were reunited and she and George married.

When Onesko received the honor this month from the AMVETS, she noted that the Korean War was often referred to as “the forgotten war.”

It is important that we always strive to let our military veterans know that they are never forgotten.

We celebrate Sgt. Vernon Hamilton, a 19-year-old Army Air gunner mechanic from Monongahela who was lost after his bomber aircraft as shot down in Germany. A documentary was produced that chronicles the young man’s story as a way to preserve “the memory of one of the troops who helped liberate Europe from Nazi Germany.”

Those dedicated to finding Hamilton and other crew members as well as preserving his story allow many generations to learn about his bravery. Hamilton’s remains were discovered three years ago, including his high school class ring that helped identify him, and he was sent home to his family in Monongahela for a burial.

It is important that we always strive to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We celebrate Chief Petty Officer Nicole Serben, 31, a Monongahela resident who serves as a Navy Boatswain’s mate in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Moreover, Serben is a mom of two young children, one of whom has autism.

In a quest to carry on a family military tradition, Serben graduated from Altoona Area High School in Blair County and joined the Navy in 2008. When she finished active duty in 2012, she became a Navy reservist. The decision doesn’t come without a price, however. As part of her duties, Serben has to spend time away from her family monthly as well as several times each year for training purposes.

It is important that we continue to support the military veterans who selflessly give of themselves today to continue protecting us and our country.