On Saturday evening, many people gathered at the First United Methodist Church in Big Spring to honor the four veterans that participated in this year’s 8th annual DAV Dove Hunt. Veteran honorees are selected each year by the DAV. This year, those recognized were Daniel A. Bernard of Fort Meyers, Florida – U.S. Army, Jeramy House of Odessa, Texas – U.S. Army, Joshua L. Junkin of Big Spring, Texas – U.S. Marine Corps, and Robert “Bob” E. Ross of Wellsville, Kansas – U.S. Army.
Over the weekend, the veteran honorees bonded over a 2-day dove hunt, riffle golf, an oryx hunt, and multiple meals provided by the community members. On Saturday evening, each honoree was presented with several tokens of appreciation from various people, including U.S. and Texas flags, pocket knives, art pieces, and riffles. At the end of the veteran recognition program, each was also presented with a Quilt of Valor. Closing out the program, attendees were encouraged to meet the veterans and touch the quilts on their way out so that the veterans could carry a piece of them with them and know that they are loved and appreciated, especially during rough times.
During the presentations, veteran honorees from last year’s dove hunt presented the local DAV with a plaque to thank them for all that they do. Mike Tarpley, Senior Vice Commander for the DAV, Ch. 47, also received a gift – a personalized Vietnam Veteran wooden plaque – handed to him by Ross.
(Photo: DAV, Ch. 47, Commander Ed Meiser and Sr. Vice Commander Mike Tarpley accept a wooden plaque noting the appreciation of the veteran honorees from the 7th annual DAV Dove Hunt.)
(Photo: DAV, Ch. 47, Sr. Vice Commander Mike Tarpley accepts a personalized Vietnam Veteran recognition plaque, handed to him by veteran honoree Bob Ross.)
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