Local Stories Shine in Veterans Day Observance

By CATHERINE ELLERTON & MAGGIE MCMURRAY

Moapa Valley Progress

All the stories are what make the local Veteran Day Parade even special and unique. The Color Guard made up of local veterans brings a tear to the eye and pride to the heart. The Moapa Valley High School marching band stirs patriotism by their presentation of patriotic music. The drill teams of MVHS and Lyon Middle School draw applause from the crowd. The many floats from the local organizations and businesses salute their country and the men and women who answered the call to duty. Each has a story and that is what makes them special.

As I wandered the parade route, I met Orrin George, a snowbird from Kearney, Nebraska. George served in the U.S. Marine Corps. for eight years. Two of those years were aboard an aircraft carrier. He stated proudly that he is the only Marine in Marine Corps history to be certified to be a Helmsman on an Aircraft Carrier.

More stories were evident up and down the parade route. The Grant Bowler Student Council was putting finishing touches on their float. President Grace LaFontaine advised that there were 18 members who worked together to be involved in the various activities.
I soon found myself surrounded by a legion of Boy Scout Troops who were learning of the various service flags they would be carrying during the parade from Nev. State VFW State

Adjutant/Quartermaster M. Bruce Hollinger. Over 100 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and their leaders honored local veterans by marching in the parade.
There were so many organizations involved in the parade. Three year old Quinn Bunker is the current reigning Cinderella Pageant Moapa Valley Tiny Tot for 2015. More royalty drew my attention when the CC Fair and Rodeo Queen Danielle Russo and Princess Grace Ann Erickson rode by.

From within the mini train cars of the Moapa Valley Corn Maze vehicle entry, I met Lucas Lehman and talked him into letting me taste-test the candy he had.
The Cactus Cruisers Car Club members were lined up proudly showing their classic cars.
The police Search and Rescue helicopter had the honors of the flyover at the beginning of the parade.

But about half way through another flyover occurred. This was done by a drone which was controlled by Mark Hopkins on the Ace Hardware float. It was followed by two miniature remote-controlled race cars roaring down the street.

As the parade continued to wend its way down Moapa Valley Blvd., I ran into 4 years old Joseph and 2 fingers old Alice Taylor. Joseph liked the Simplot trucks (with their 7 foot high tires) the best while Alice decided she liked the fire trucks and might become a fire fighter one day. This day turned out to be a warm embrace from the community for our military family members.

After the parade, the community gathered at Overton Park for the annual Veterans Day Picnic sponsored by the Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce. Although the picnic honors veterans, it is also a celebration of community. Anyone who wanted a free delicious lunch was welcome.
“This is a great event,” said Chamber Board member Bret Staley. “We love to do it because we love to see people smile and we like to do something that helps honor our veterans.”

The Chamber of Commerce was assisted in the picnic by a community effort. All the cooking was done by members of the Rotary Club. Parts of the dinner were donated by Lins, Sugars, Inside Scoop, Simplot, and the Chamber. The servers were from the local FFA chapter.
“Our guys just love cooking for events,” said Rotarian Chris Green. “We have a great cookstove and we love helping and being part of the community.”

Green went on to explain that Randy Pote, District 5300 Governor for Rotary International and Assistant Governor Jake Knol made a special point of coming to the parade and picnic.
“Out of sixty units I have visited, Moapa Valley is the most fun, energetic and community oriented group,” Pote said. “This is a great community with a lot of enthusiasm.”

The picnic was attended by an estimated 600-750 people. Veteran advocate Robert Kuczera was there entertaining the crowd and making sure no veteran left empty handed. He brought several thousand dollars worth of donated items that were given to veterans or awarded to local community members that were current on their local trivia.

The oldest veteran to participate was Richard Hanson, 88, who served from 1945-49 in the Navy during WWII.
“I stop by this event every year on my way through,” Hanson said. “This is a nice little town with a nice celebration for veterans.”

Local veteran Russell Farrell, who served in Vietnam, was there with his service dog, Molly. “I’m here today to enjoy the warmth of my fellow veterans, the warmth of the community, and the warmth of Southern Nevada,” he said. “I love being here.”