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| Wilson Presents Medals to Former POWs |
October 19, 2006 |
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"You answered your country`s call... Today, millions enjoy the freedom that you fought to win."
Rep. Heather Wilson
(Photo: Col. Gilbert Martinez, Seymore Salomwitz, HAW, and Col. Arnold)
Wilson Presents Medals to Former POWsHonors Service & Sacrifice of NM WWII Veterans
Albuquerque – Sixty-two years ago, Charles B. Archuleta of Rio Rancho fought his way across France from Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge, which began on December 16, 1944 in Belgium. There, his outnumbered company made a stand against the German Army, and he was captured and held six months as a Prisoner of War.” (Photo Left: Seymore Salomwitz accepting for friend Edwin Bock)
World War II veterans honored today are:
Charles Archuleta
Edwin Bock (not attending)
Clifford Brown (deceased)
Lance Loring (deceased)
Raymond Mares (deceased)
Abel O`Canna (not attending)
Espeedie Ruiz (deceased)
Charles Sanchez
Larry Sandoval, to be presented privately on Tuesday at the VA Hospital
Charles Archuleta and Espeedie Ruiz also received a number of other medals, not previously awarded.
 (Photo right: Lourdes Ruiz accepting for her husband Espeedie Ruiz and HAW)
About the Medal
The POW Medal, issued since 1985, is to honor the service and sacrifice of those men and women who have been held captive by our nation’s enemies. This important medal is to be issued only to those U.S. military personnel who were taken prisoner and held captive, after April 5, 1917, while in combat service.
Also in attendance:
Hope Veverka, a Gold Star Mom who lost her son in Iraq.
The Harmony Project, singing the National Anthem and God Bless America.
MIA Ceremony conducted by Team Kirtland AFB Honor Guard, Master Sergeant Dave McKay NCIOC.
Honor Guard conducted by United States Volunteers, Colonel Don Arnold DCoS.
Legion Riders
Blue Star Mothers
Veterans or family members looking for information on medals and veterans issues can visit http://wilson.house.gov or call Rep. Wilson’s office at (505) 346-6781.
 (Photo: Wilson presents medal to Charles Sanchez) |
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