The Community Connection

Heroes honored at 5th Annual Pottstown Veterans’ Community Day

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POTTSTOWN » It may have rained on their parade, but it did not dampen the spirits of those attending the 5th Annual Pottstown Veterans’ Community Day.

The honorees and their guests were treated to a breakfast prepared for them by volunteers of the Veterans’ Island Project and it was graciously hosted at the Carousel of Pottstown. They were then escorted to the Veterans’ Island at Memorial Park where the ceremony was held for the presentati­on of the Glass Tear Hero Award designed and donated by Randy Doaty.

The highlight of the ceremony was the recognitio­n of Richard J. Essick when he was given a standing ovation for his service in the Navy SEABEES in World War II, the Marines in the Korean War, and during Cold War, his time in the Air Force.

Col. Daniel Hampton (Ret.) was the guest speaker. A 1980 graduate of Pottstown High School, Hampton is now chief of staff and professor of Practice of Security Studies at the Africa Center in Washington, D.C.

The Veterans’ Coalition of Pennsylvan­ia, founded by honoree Robin “Cherokee” Gilmore offered drinks and snacks at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Honorees Charles “Cook” Seibert, Andrew Washko and David F. Bohn were presented their awards by family and friends who all spoke about not only their service to their country but their service to their community.

The Hamilton Celtic Pipe and Drums were present for the ceremony, as its members were at all five Veteran Community Days to add to the atmosphere of the event.

Veteran of the Year, Don Eshleman, who missed out on a ride in the Memorial Day Parade, was treated to breakfast and a ride with the escort to Memorial Park, where he was recognized for his volunteer work with the Pottstown Vietnam Veteran Chapter 565.

Ron Fieni, son of Gabe Fieni, the founder of the World War II Memorial in Pottstown, was presented with a special certificat­e of appreciati­on for his work and generosity to help refurbish the WWII Memorial.

Linda Lightcap, mayor of Pennsburg and member of A Hero’s Welcome, presented the honorees with an official Welcome Home Certificat­e.

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?? PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? Richard J. Essick accepting his award.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y Richard J. Essick accepting his award.
?? PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? The motorcycle escort is ready to roll to the ceremony.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y The motorcycle escort is ready to roll to the ceremony.
?? PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? Local police and fire department­s took part in escorting participan­ts to Memorial Park for the ceremony.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y Local police and fire department­s took part in escorting participan­ts to Memorial Park for the ceremony.
?? PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? The Hamilton Celtic Pipe and Drums performing on Veterans Island at Memorial Park.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y The Hamilton Celtic Pipe and Drums performing on Veterans Island at Memorial Park.
?? PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? Vietnam War veteran David Bohn accepts his award.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y Vietnam War veteran David Bohn accepts his award.
?? PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? Robin “Cherokee” Gilmore accepting his award.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y Robin “Cherokee” Gilmore accepting his award.
?? PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? Veteran of the Year Don Eshleman being escorted to Memorial Park.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y Veteran of the Year Don Eshleman being escorted to Memorial Park.
?? PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? Col. Daniel Hampton, a 1980 Pottstown High School graduate, was the guest speaker.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STYLISH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPH­Y Col. Daniel Hampton, a 1980 Pottstown High School graduate, was the guest speaker.

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