AOVWS celebrates Veterans Day with community 11-11-16
Joseph V. Sowmick - November 16, 2016
In an effort to provide bonus coverage, Team Observer joined the Anishinaabe Ogitchedaw Veterans Warrior Society at two events celebrating their service to the United States of America. SECR Marketing Manager of Sponsorships & Promotions Tanya Bardy mentions the Nov. 11 event this year drew a crowd to the flag ceremony at the front entrance.
“We appreciate the very talented Mino Ode Singers for coming out and our celebration of Veterans Day here at SECR is something I look forward to each year. Seeing complete strangers thanking our veterans that are here to celebrate with us is amazing to see, people starting conversations with others and sharing their stories of service is very heart warming,” Bardy said. “This event brings everyone together to celebrate those men and women who have served our country or that are currently serving. Veterans Day here at SECR is just small token of our appreciation for all they have done and continue to do.”
SECR Chief Executive Officer Ray Brenny spent eight years in the U. S. Air Force and informs he had the opportunity to serve on the Wing Commanders Staff at Barksdale Air Force Base and in Military Airlift Command, Command and Control Center at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska.
“My last duty was as an Air Force Recruiter where I recruited for the Regular Air Force, College Recruiting and first line of Contact for the Air Force Academy. The Nov. 12 Veterans Feast was a great night for all our veterans and family members and it was an honor to be a part of it,” Brenny said. “The AOVWS Veterans Feast was a night full of recognition for our veterans for their service and a chance to say thank you to all the family members who supported our veterans during our country’s time of need.”
Glen “Pete” Coffin” is a U. S. Marine Corps veteran and also serves as VFW Post 3033 Commander in Mount Pleasant. He started his duties as Okima II.
“I am honored to be in the Ogitchedaw and chosen to be their Okima II. During the Veterans Feast, the posting of our Eagle Staffs alongside our colors and military flags is purely Native American to the heart of our society and done with all respect,” Coffin said. “We insured that our Prisoner Of War and Missing In Action brothers and sisters were spoken for at our Veterans Feast in spirit and remembrance by placing a POW/MIA table. We are currently looking for veterans from all services to attend our organization to benefit our community and to serve all our comrades.”