March 29, 2024

Several area events planned for Veterans Day

Friday's DMACC ceremony set for 11 a.m.

There are several events scheduled to take place in Jasper County this week in honor of Veterans Day. Here are a few:

Bronze star

ceremony

A ceremony to posthumously honor the late William F. Schmitz, who was killed during World War II, will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at American Legion Post 111, 1101 W. Fourth St. S. in Newton.

Geraldine “Gerry” Trier, of Ankeny, will receive her late brother’s Bronze Star Medal and other honors. Brigadier General William D. DeHaes is the distinguished guest.

Post 111 Commander Jerry Nelson and two other Newton-area veterans, Marvin Morris and Wally Schermerhorn, are also slated to participate in the ceremony. A reception will follow.

U.S. Sen. Ernst to present medals

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst medal presentation to Vietnam veteran and Newton resident Gordon Baker will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Jasper County Veterans Services Office in the County Annex 1 building, 115 N. Second Ave. E. in Newton.

Medals to be awarded include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, and the Expert Badge and Auto Rifle Bar.

Newton High School

Thursday, there will be a white table display in the front rotunda, honoring prisoners of war.

Friday, there will be 200 flags set up in the circle drive in front of the school.

Throughout the week, names of students who have friends and family that have or are serving in the military will be added to an honor board.

Newton Veterans Council services, Newton

Newton DMACC auditorium, 11 a.m. Friday

Program: American Legion Post 111 Riders

Call to order: Jeff Pence

Posting of Colors: VFW Post 1655, American Legion Post 111, American Legion Riders, Jasper County Vietnam Veterans

Invocation and benediction: Rev. Eldon Pals

Performance of national anthem: Ret. Sgt. Maj. Gary Barrett, U.S. Army.

Address: Lt. Col. Ken Van Loon

Bagpipes: Ron Husted.

Presentation of veterans: Randy Wagner.

Outdoor gun salute to veterans: Multiple groups.

Baxter Legion Post 493 Pancake and Sausage Supper

Friday, Baxter Community School.

This “Chris Cakes” catered pancake supper will serve as a scholarship fundraiser. All veterans eat free at the dinner, set for 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.

Following the meal will be the Veterans Day Program in the gym at 7 p.m.

Veterans are asked bring your service memorabilia to display for the public to enjoy. There will be tables set up.

The program will be a night of patriotic music and presentations, with guest speaker Larry Schmidt sharing his Korean War experience.

Colfax AMVETS soup supper

Colfax AMVET Post No. 50 is sponsoring a free soup supper for all military and ex-military personnel. Current and former guard and reserve members and spouses are invited.

The supper will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Howard Street Christian Church, 101 N. Locust St., Colfax. Any donations of labor or desserts are appreciated.

The speakers will be AMVETS members talking about the past year’s accomplishments and any ongoing news about the Colfax Veterans Memorial.

PCM Middle School program

Prairie City-Monroe Middle School will host a Veterans Day assembly at 9 a.m. Friday in the school auditorium. Friends, community members and family actively serving as well as veterans are invited to this event.

Coffee and donuts will be served prior to the assembly at 8:30 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.

Rock4Vets concerts

Veterans from Jasper County and throughout central Iowa can attend one or both concerts that will admit vets for free.

At 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lake Robbins Ballroom in rural Woodward, The Rivieras Band will play. The address is 26726 150th St., Woodward, about one mile southwest of Highway 141, south of At 7 p.m. Sunday, at American Legion Post 232 in Polk City, The Nadas are set to play.

Mercy Medical Center and DMACC are among the sponsors of this year’s concerts.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com