IRVING – Fifteen veterans were presented military awards in a ceremony at U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant’s district office on Friday. 

The veterans honored by Marchant ranged from World War II to the Vietnam War.  Many of the veterans said that when they left the service for civilian life they were not aware they were due medals or otherwise didn’t give it much though at the time. 

Years later and upon hearing that that Rep. Marchant was coordinating an effort to recognize our nation’s service members, veterans and their family members have started to reach out.  John Hayes, the military and veterans affairs liaison for Marchant, worked with the respective military branches in order to get the overdue medals for the veterans.

Surrounded by families, friends and city council members and mayors of several of the cities the veterans call home, each veteran was presented their overdue awards by their Member of Congress, Kenny Marchant. 

“Behind each veteran present today stands a story of courage, sacrifice, and love of country,” said Marchant.  “Your self-sacrifice represents a shining example of what’s best in our nation.  It is an honor to thank you for your service, and a distinct privilege to be able to present you the medals you earned.” 

The honored veterans and their awards are listed by city: (Bedford) Stanley Albitron, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal; (Carrollton) Doyle Watkins, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, Discharge Button, Honorable Service Lapel Pin, Philippine Liberation Ribbon; Ramon Infante, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar; Robert Sponhour, Navy Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Discharge Button, Honorable Service Lapel Pin; Kenneth Sembrick, National Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (with Bronze Star), Combat Action Ribbon, Discharge Button, Honorable Service Lapel Pin; Richard Castro, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal; (Coppell) Steven Bauer, National Defense Service Medal; Leonard Moore (deceased) represented by son Patrick Moore, Bronze Star Medal, P.O.W. Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII; (Duncanville) Jack Armstrong, Purple Heart with Gold Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Campaign Stars, World War II Victor Medal, Rifle Marksman Badge; (Euless) Richard Kendall, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge; (Grand Prairie) Ralph Feliciano, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Naval Aircrew Breast Insignia; (Grapevine) Salvatore Capaldo, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, Army Aviation – Aircraft Crewman Badge; (Farmers Branch) Donald Brockman, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (with two Bronze Stars), Combat Action Ribbon, Discharge Button, Honorable Service Lapel Pin; Joseph Yakamavich, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; (Irving) Clint Thomason, Jr., Navy Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Pin, Discharge Button, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (with two Bronze Stars), Navy Reserve Medal (with one Bronze Hourglass).

After the ceremony, veterans and family members enjoyed a reception where they were able to meet with one another and the congressman. 

If you are a veteran or know of one in Congressional District 24 who has earned awards for their military service but not yet received recognition, please contact John Hayes at Rep. Marchant’s district office at (972)-556-0162. 

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