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.)

Rogue Chapter members presented NCOA Medallions at a Senior Fair in Grants Pass, OR on September 8th.

A total of 60 Vietnam medallions were presented to veterans and surviving spouses of 17 Navy veterans, 6 Air Force veterans, 27 Army veterans, 3 Coast Guard veterans, and 7 Marine Corps veterans. 

Chapter members presented 12 Korean War Medallions to 6 Navy veterans, 5 Army veterans, and 1 Air Force veteran.

Thirteen WWII Medallions were presented to surviving families of WWII veterans.  Receiving medallions were the families of 7 Navy veterans, 3 Army veterans, 2 Air Force veterans, and 1 Merchant Marine veteran. ​These Medallions will afford the families an opportunity to educate the younger generation about the Greatest Generation and provide something to pass down the legacy of their family heroes.  

Chapter members participating in the presentations were Donald & Susan Wetzel, Kris Stevens, Audie Cooper, David Haines, and Chairman Terry Haines.  Two new members were recruited at the event and a total of 85 medallions were presented.  This was the largest single presentation in one setting that the chapter has ever accomplished. 

​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)"

Members of the new Sunshine State Chapter #1683 who also are members of the 10/209 Honor Guard, recently presented a Korean War Medallion to fellow Honor Guard  member Navy Veteran Bob Terry who is 92 years young.  The presentation occurred following the group's performance of Honor Guard  duty  at Bushnell National  Cemetery.  Mr. Terry is a active member of the Honor Guard and participates in numerous  programs at VFW Post 10/209 in Springhill, Florida.

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!
 

The Spirit of Sacramento Auxiliary recently supported the Rancho Cordova Business Expo and Job Fair.

June 23, 2023 - The NCOA Knights of the Square Table recently sponsored a tee for the Carolina Museum of the Marine Golf Tournament 

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Rogue Chapter members Mike Sklar and Woody Wooten presented 2 Korean War Medallions and 20 Vietnam War Medallions at a veteran's breakfast held in Jacksonville, FL.  As a result of these presentations, 5 new members were recruited. Thanks, shipmates, for your support of this important program.

June 3, 2023 - The Marine Corps League Swansboro Detachment #1407 and Swansboro Mayor John Davis presented Virginia Revis, a 102 year old WWII Air Force veteran, with an NCOA WWII Commemorative Medallion. The Medallion was presented at the Annual Military Appreciation Day, hosted by the Swansboro Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee and Hammocks Beach State Park.