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YAVAPAI-PRESCOTT INDIAN TRIBE HONORS
VETERANS DURING NOV. 8 LUNCHEON
PRESCOTT, Ariz. (November 8, 2002) – The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe kicked off the three-day Veteran’s
Day Weekend today by hosting a special luncheon honoring veterans for their
service in the United States Military. The luncheon was held at the
Retired Air
Force veteran and former POW, Colonel Ronald E. Byrne, Jr., was the featured speaker.
Byrne served as a fighter pilot in the Air Force during the Korean conflict and
the Vietnam War. His military career began in 1951 and continued for more than
25 years until his retirement in 1977. Byrne received numerous decorations and
awards, including the Silver Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Legion of Merit
with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze star with
Combat “V,” the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Presidential Unit
Citation Emblem, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat “V” and Oak
Leaf Cluster and the Combat Readiness Medal.
“We are
grateful for all of the country’s veterans. This luncheon is our small way of
thanking them for their service,” said Ernie Jones, Sr., President of the Tribe.
“It is because of their service that we as Americans continue to enjoy our
freedoms.”
Approximately 50 veterans from all four branches of the military were in attendance at the luncheon, including __ tribal members. The Tribe also hosted individuals recuperating at the VA Hospital at the luncheon. Tribal president Ernie Jones, Sr., himself a Vietnam veteran, welcomed the guests with opening remarks and Gary Swigart, the Tribe’s personnel manager and a retired Air Force colonel, led the guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Located
adjacent to the central
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