Saluting their service

Purple Heart recipient Kevin McCabe, who wears a prosthetic due to injuries he sustained when he stepped on a land mine during the Vietnam War, was one of the veterans honored Saturday at the Purple Heart and Agent Orange Recognition Ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

“Very nice,” McCabe said about the event, which saw about 100 attendees pay tribute to 18 Purple Heart recipients, 11 who also suffered from exposure to the chemical defoliant Agent Orange.

Additionally, 23 veterans were acknowledged for their “ongoing personal sacrifices due to exposure to Agent Orange.”

Volunteers presented each veteran with a certificate from the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation recognizing their sacrifice and thanking them for their service.

Many of the Purple Heart recipients at the ceremony were Vietnam War veterans, including speaker Tom Reese, who served in Army and was awarded decorations including the Purple Heart, Silver Star and four Bronze Stars with “V” for valor.

“This is about what you did but wouldn’t have done if you had thought about it,” he said.

Reese, who said he thinks recognition for Vietnam War veterans is “long overdue,” added that he’s observed a change in perception about Vietnam War Veterans who were seen in a very negative light by some when they returned to the U.S. from Vietnam.

Now, he said, the same veterans are seen as having served honorably.

Vietnam War veteran Thomas Duffy, who was exposed to Agent Orange, spoke during the portion of the ceremony that honored those who were exposed to the toxic chemical.

He spoke about the effects of Agent Orange on his elder brotherWilliam Duffy, who died in 2006 after suffering health problems related to Agent Orange exposure and losing both legs two years before his death.

He called the use of the chemical a “mistake.”

“I watched my brother deteriorate and the (Veterans Administration) turned him down (multiple) times,’’ Duffy said.

Agent Orange Review at PublicHealthVA.gov states Public Law 102-4 “Agent Orange Law of 1991” set a procedure for “which illnesses among Vietnam veterans should be presumed due to herbicide exposure.”

The recent PACT Act expanded eligibility and “20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures” and additional locations of exposure. More information can be found at Va.gov “The PACT Act and your VA benefits.”

Duffy said even while his brother was in poor health, he was still active in the community and helped other people also using wheelchairs with issues like how to board a bus.

A moment of silence was observed for Duffy’s brother.

Keynote speaker Army Capt. Steve Petty said Agent Orange was like weed killer Roundup “on steroids.”

“Troops walked and slept in it and carried it in backpacks” to clear areas, he said.

About the Purple Heart, Petty said 1.8 million have been presented since 1782 and he called it “America’s oldest medal” awarded in 99% of the cases for “battle contact.”

Petty added, “no movie” could accurately portray the shock and horror of the battlefield. He paused earlier as he described injuries in the field.

Gerald Couch, who served in the 1st Cavalry in Vietnam War, Marine Corps veteran Lewis Alston, who also received a Quilt of Valor from a local group who makes the patriotic themed quilts, and Gerald Gallery were all recognized as Purple Heart recipients.

Emmett Cox, Noel Fromkin and Peter Patete (in memoriam) were also recognized as Purple Heart recipients.

Steve Gallant suffered illnesses including Type II Diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease due to Agent Orange exposure.

Alan Tripp, a Vietnam War veteran and member of American Legion Post 27, said he has suffered illness including heart disease and diabetes from Agent Orange exposure. He has been getting support from the VA since his wife, Jetta Morrison, an Army nurse, encouraged him in 2011 to go to the VA about his Agent Orange exposure.

Veterans on hand for the ceremony included 98-year-old World War II Army Air Corps veteran Donald Washbish, a pilot and Purple Heart recipient. He was also given a Quilt of Valor.

Korean War era veteran and park volunteer Ralph Mueller and Korean War and Vietnam War veteran and Frank Rasbury, holder of the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, who served in the 82nd Airborne, were on hand for the ceremony.

Husband and wife William and Sharon Murray served at the same time in the Vietnam War, William in the Army and Sharon in the Air Force. Both were recognized for their sacrifices due to Agent Orange exposure.

Lewis Alston, Michael D. Jackson, Frank Kalusa, Richard Knecht, James D. Manahan, Reggie Nealy, Stephen Petty, Jean Smasal, Randall Thomas, Peter Winnen and John H. Webb were honored as Purple Heart recipients and veterans who also sacrificed due to their exposure to Agent Orange.

The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard provided an Honor Guard and rifle salute for the event and bagpiper John Earl gave a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Audrey Dewey was on hand on behalf of the Blue Star Mothers organization, and Fran Calhoun presented the Quilts of Valor and Randy Zoller sang the National Anthem.

Park volunteer Debbie Ceres said, “Welcome Home. Thank you for your service” as she presented each certificate.