Armstrong County Veterans Honored

by David Croyle

Two men from Armstrong County were honored last Saturday night in a special ceremony held at the VFW Post 6648 in Freeport.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Harold Thevenin of Ford City. Born in Pattonville in 1931, he went to school at St. Mary’s in Ford City. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1950, where he served until his retirement in 1970. At that time, the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland sent a letter of appreciation to Thevenin. The letter stated: “It is exceedingly difficult to adequately describe or convey with words the thoughts that course through one’s mind on the completion of a highly successful and distinguished naval career. Hopefully, in some small measure, you will realize the sincere and deep appreciation we have for the long and honorable service you have performed for the United States Navy and your country.”

A list of accomplishments during the 46 years following Thevenin’s retirement include: speaking at schools throughout the county on patriotism, placing flags on seven cemeteries for Memorial Day, and participating in the Ford City Post Honor Guard for veterans’ funerals. He has received numerous awards from both the state and national VFWs. He is a lifetime member of VFW Ford City Post 4843 and the Cowansville American Legion.

The Veteran of the Year Award was bestowed on Ellsworth “Elmer” Lightner from the New Bethlehem area. Born in Kittanning, he went to school in Dayton. He entered the U.S. Army in 1967 and was assigned to the Company C, Second Battalion, 12^th Regiment, 25^th Infantry Division in Vietnam the following year.

Lightner has been the Commander of the Dayton American Legion Post 995 for the past 26 years. He hosts Memorial Day services, the Legion birthday party, and conducts flag programs for the local elementary schools, church groups, and senior centers. He also works with church youth groups and others placing flags on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day. He attends Awards Day ceremonies at West Shamokin High School, and is a speaker at various high schools in the area. He is presently the Armstrong County Commander for the American Legion and proudly serves in the Armstrong County Honor Guard who provides funeral services for local veterans. He is a Life Member and serves as Chaplain of the Ford City VFW Post 4843. He assists the Barracuda Cancer Relay Team, the Ford City Relay Committee, and is a VNA volunteer.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is for a veteran who has donated his time and services for veterans during his lifetime. The Veteran of the Year Award is presented to an active veteran who has donated his or her time in at least the past 24 months to enrich the lives of other veterans.

Nominees are selected by the county past commanders or representatives from VFW, AmVets, and American Legion Posts. The committee is comprised of Bill Lafisca (Commander, Worthington American Legion), Elmer Lightner (Commander, Dayton American Legion), Bruce Bly (Commander, Brady’s Bend American Legion), Harold French (Cowansville American Legion), Don King (Kittanning AmVets Post 13), James Bollinger (Quarter-Master Freeport VFW), Robert Brubaker (Past Commander, Sagamore VFW), Ralph Fahlor (Kittanning American Legion), and Tom Mechling (Post commander, Ford City VFW).

The two men were selected from nearly 6,100 veterans in Armstrong County.

Armstrong County Veteran Affairs Executive Director Chuck Righi participated in the event; however, none of the three Armstrong County Commissioners were present.

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