October 5, 2024 - NCOA Board member, Past Grand Knight, and member of the NCOA Fort Sam Houston Chapter CMSgt Ted Pilihos, USAF (Ret), recently presented NCOA Korea and Vietnam War Medallions during the 39th Annual Chief's Gathering at the Blue Bonnet Dance Hall in Selma, Texas. 

Pictured below from left to right are:  CMSgt Bobby Valdez, USAF (Ret), CSM Mack Clanton, USA (Ret), Sir Ted Pilihos, CSM Paul Greenwood, USA (Ret), CMSgt Fil Villarreal, USAF (Ret); and CMSgt Bob Layman, USAF (Ret).  Valdez, Clanton, and Villarreal were recognized with Vietnam War Medallions while Greenwood and Layman were recognized with Korea War Medallions.

NCOA's newest chapter - the NCOA Steel City Chapter - was established last weekend.  In addition to swearing in the new chapter trustees, several NCOA medallions were presented.

A huge shout-out to NCOA members Janet and Lenny Schroth for hosting the cook-out event and to Lady Vicky Hensley for proving and presenting NCOA medallions to the deserving veterans.

NCOA Rogue chapter trustee Audie Cooper recently presented an NCOA Vietnam Medallion to Marine veteran Barry Leonard and a Korea War Medallion to Navy veteran Chuck Hewitt.​ 

NCOA Life Member 1SG(R) Sean L. Johnson presented an NCOA Vietnam War Medallion to SGT Tim Dupre, a blind veteran, during a church service in Vicksburg, MS. It was a very emotional moment because Mr. Dupre flew from San Francisco, CA, for a family event and the surprise presentation was part of it.

NCOA Life Member Eric W. Shumpert recently had the honor of recognizing Jim Compton, Air Force veteran, with the presentation of the NCOA Vietnam War Medallion while at the Sumter Masonic Lodge No. 364 Ancient Free Masons,   Mr. Compton noted that this was only the second time that he had been welcomed home. 

Rogue Chapter Chairman assisted by trustee David Haines presented a Vietnam Medallion to Army veteran Ronald Klopfer. 

In 7 years, the Rogue Chapter's VeteRun has raised and given away $131,850. This year the chapter raised $43,200 with the assistance of Tabitha Carlson who held a golf tournament focusing on Veteran suicide prevention and helping veterans, as a result we were able to present checks at our annual Christmas social in the amount of $14,400 each to David's Chair, Mighty Oaks Foundation and Operation Rambo.

Every year the gross amount earned has increased and the amount given to each charity has increased so our goal next year is to exceed $50,000. The 5K fun run usually happens in October, so plan to help us out next year.

Veterans and family members from 3 wars were presented NCOA medallions for their service in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. A huge thank you to CSM Edwin Sizer, USA (Ret), GEICO's Military Agency Operations Manager, for attending the presentations during the Fort Sam Houston Chapter's End of Year Christmas Social and to the NCOA Fort Sam Houston Chapter and GEICO Military for sponsoring the medallions!

Rogue Chapter member and member of the International Board of Directors Vicky Hensley recently presented a number of NCOA Korean and Vietnam War Medallions.

The Sunshine State Chapter #1683 recently presented an NCOA World War II medallion to World War II Army  veteran  John Ter Borg, who is in in-home hospice. John and his family were elated for this presentation.  Mr. Ter Borg exclaimed that he would never forget this moment!

had the honor of presenting It’s Veterans Day in cloudy Roseburg, OR, and the annual parade is an annual highlight in the town’s agenda of events.  Roseburg just experienced a flyover of twin F-15 Eagle Fighter jets from the 173rd Fighter Wing from Klamath Falls Air National Guard…and all action stopped and the crowd celebrated the awesome sight!  The local NCOA Umpqua Valley Chapter 1308 was on hand with a Legacy Medallion display to advertise NCOA’s program to seek and honor local veterans.  Located directly behind this display is the renowned Veterans Traveling Wall, sponsored by the local Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 805.  Pictured from right to left are Roger Arnold, Vice Chairman; Don Adams, and Ron Dukes, Chairman.  All are members of the Vietnam Veterans of America…a strong supporter of the NCOA’s Legacy Medallion program.  After the parade, Don Adams and Ron Dukes had the honor of presenting three Korean War Legacy Medallions at the Brookdale Care Center as family members and staff helped celebrate their military service.  (Photo by Cleta Yarbrough)

Three NCOA Medallions were presented to two deserving individuals during the 248th Marine Corps Birthday Ball with the Marine Corps League, Sumter Detachment 1202.

In the photo on the left, an NCOA Vietnam War Medallion was presented to Mr. Harry Thompson, a Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient (left). Mr. William Hartley (right) received both the NCOA World War II and Korean War Medallions for his service in both conflicts.

In the photo on the right, members of the Marine Corps League pause to enjoy some birthday cake.
  
A big thank you to Eric Shumpert, NCOA life member, for providing the photos and to the Marine Corps League Sumter Detachment for your efforts to get these small symbols of tremendous sacrifice and service around the necks of those who deserve them!

It’s a beautiful day in the Umpqua Valley at Roseburg, Oregon, as another Korean War veteran is presented the NCOA Korean War Legacy Medallion.  Pictured are the family and friends of past 82nd Airborne paratrooper, Jerry Fueston.  Making the presentation on behalf of the NCOA is Ron Dukes, Chairman of the NCOA Umpqua Valley Chapter and Honor Guard Chaplain for the Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #805.

Rogue Chapter Chairman, assisted by chapter trustee David Haines, recently presented NCOA Medallions at a veteran's breakfast in Grants Pass, OR.

World War II Medallions​

The NCOA Medallion program in Roseburg, OR, was in full swing on a beautiful September Sunday afternoon at the Linus Oaks Retirement Home.  The NCOA Umpqua Valley Chapter #1308 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #805 joined their efforts to present the WWII Legacy Medallion to Dick Stark (Navy Seaman 2nd Class) seated far right.  The Korean War Legacy Medallion was then presented (from right to left) to:  Don Newsom (Navy Reserve Seaman 1st Class); George Howse (Army SFC); Sam Coomer (Navy 3rd Class Metalsmith);  Ernest Farley (Air Force SMSgt and NCOA member); and Joe Cortez (Army SGT).  Standing behind the honored veterans are Ron Dukes, Chairman, Umpqua Valley Chapter #1308 and NCOA Member, Don Adams.  Both are also members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #805, which was instrumental in providing a substantial grant to aid in recognizing these veterans.  (Photo by Cleta Yarbrough).

NCOA Central Valley (#1551) and Spirit of Sacramento Auxiliary (#270) were invited to Francis "Buff" Bufkin's 100th birthday celebration on September 10. Buff is a WWII POW captured after jumping from his aircraft. He spent 13 months in captivity.

The community celebration had almost a hundred people come and share their stories with Buff and his daughter Mary Anne Beasley.  Look at all the cards and one made by a 3 year old (big blue one). Thank you Mike TeSelle for sharing this story of an American “doing his job!”  (TeSelle is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has been with KCRA 3 since 1998.)

​NCOA Umpqua Valley Chapter Chairman Ron Dukes recently presented a Korean War Legacy Medallion to former Marine First Sergeant Jim Barnett at his home.  Barnett - aka "Mr. Marine" - of Roseburg, Oregon, has an incredible collection of U.S. Marine Corps paraphernalia throughout his home.  Pictured is just a portion of his collection depicting the Korean War era.

​"It was a great day at "Music in the Park" in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, when NCOA Umpqua Valley Chapter Chairman, Ron Dukes, was honored to present an NCOA Korean War Medallion to Delfino Coco...a 93-year-old veteran.  Music in the Park is a weekly Summer event that brings the community together to picnic and enjoy a variety of songs from different genres.  Mr. Coco was caught by surprise--his daughter had previously contacted the local NCOA chapter and presented the idea of honoring her father with the NCOA's Korea War Medallion while approximately 150 people stood and cheered for Delfino Coco.  Also pictured is Annabelle Voss, his daughter.  (Picture by Cleta Yarbrough)"

NCOA Central Valley and Spirit of Sacramento Chapters were EXTREMELY HONORED to receive a call to meet and present Francis Bufkin with the NCOA WWII Honor and Legacy Medallion. He was a B17 Waist Gunner who was shot down. He jumped out at 8000ft. He was captured for 15 months and was part of the great European march as allies sought to find any surviving POWs. Amazing history. Thank you Jeff Douglas and Maryanne Bufkin!