Eighty Carbon County veterans of the Global War on Terror were thanked and honored with certificates and medals during the "Salute to Carbon County Veterans Expo" held Sunday at the Jim Thorpe High School.

The program was Rep. Doyle Heffley's (R-Carbon) first program to honor Carbon County veterans who served in the armed forces from Aug. 2, 1990 to present.Heffley said that in the two years he has spent representing the 122nd District, he has met many veterans with their own stories to tell about how their military service has impacted them personally."Today is about how your brave service has impacted the rest of us," said Heffley. "How, because of your sacrifice, courage and patriotism, we are still, as our Pledge of Allegiance says, one nation under God."Heffley noted that Carbon County has always answered the call to duty - from the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I and II, Korea - and all the conflicts in between when America needed brave men and women to service and Carbon County answered the call.Heffley noted that more than 1 million troops served in Iraq since March 20, 2003 and nearly 4,500 U.S. service members were killed in more than eight years of war and about 30,000 were wounded.He said the Global War on Terror did not start in Iraq and will not end in Iraq."Troops are still defending American liberties fighting in Afghanistan and are deployed around the world to protect us from terror," he said. "Today we remember the end of the Iraq war and thank all those vets who served in the Global War on Terror."Heffley said that each veteran has stories of individual heroism and valor and selflessness that are seldom told."We are here to thank all the veterans present today," he said.The program began with Angela Nardini singing the national anthem, followed by Gilbert Henry, chaplain offering the invocation.Guest speakers were Sen. David Argall, Army Reserve Ambassador George Duell Jr. and Carbon County Commissioners Thomas Gerhart and Wayne Nothstein.Keynote speaker was Army Capt. State Rep. Ryan Aument.Argall said that he grew up during the Vietnam War and remembers that they did not get the recognition they deserved."I'm think we should be saying thank you to veterans every day for keeping us free," said Argall.Duell said that the veterans tribute was long overdue, not only for those attending the program, but for every soldier, including the National Guard, who has taken part in the nation's defense."The National Guard is a vital force of the team," said Duell. "They comprise about 50 percent of our nation's military. Thank you. We are honoring you today."Nothstein said, "Thank you for defending our country. You chose to serve to keep our country free from aggression."Nothstein noted that the Carbon County Veterans Affairs office and Carbon County Commissioners are available to help returning veterans.Gerhard said, "You served our country freely. Thank you for your dedication and service to our country - ensuring that we live free."Aument, who is from Lancaster, said he was honored to be a speaker. Deployed to Iraq in 2003 with the 4th Infantry Division as a mechanized infantry, he assumed command of his infantry company four days into operations after his company commander was wounded.Rather than tell of his personal story, he chose to talk about three of the men he led while serving as infantry commander.He spoke about CPT Eric Palowada who refused to take cover until he had directed all his soldiers to cover. He died that day. He said that his fiance received a flag at a graveside service rather than a wedding ring upon her finger.He also spoke about 19-year-old PFC Nathan Craiger who performed outstanding service for someone so young and of SPC Chris Smith who, while serving his tour, feared he would never see his family again."It was my privilege to serve alongside these remarkable young men," said Aument. "Thank you for your service to our great country."Aument encouraged the soldiers to continue to serve sacrificially by putting the needs of others before self."Be defined by your service to others," said Aument. "Hold your wife and your children tighter. Sacrifice for them. Serve your community. Run for office. Start a business. Volunteer. Our nation still needs you."Presenting a medley of service songs was Henry Long Sr. He also offered "Taps." Lehighton United Veterans Organization presented the color guard, service flags and provided a firing squad. Also assisting were Palmerton United Veterans Organization, Jim Thorpe Legion, and VFW Post 294, Albrightsville.Heffley, assisted by Harry Wynn III, past 30th District Commander of the American Legion, presented certificates and medals to the Carbon County veterans attending the program.In addition to the 80 veterans, Heffley also recognized two soldiers who lost their lives during their service, A.J. Baddick and Jeremy Maresh. A white carnation wreath with two red rosebuds were presented to their families.For the 80 veterans and their families attending the program, it was a time for the soldiers to feel recognized and thanked for their service."It was a salute to all of us who served our country," said Colin O'Shaughnessy of Jim Thorpe. "We were shown gratitude for our dedication and service."O'Shaughnessy saw active duty in the Army from 1986 to 2006, serving in Iraq.Timothy Searfoss of Lehighton enlisted in the Army in January 1996 and is in active duty."I am touched to be recognized," said Searfoss. "So many before me did not get the recognition they deserved. This is like a blessing. An event like this is a good thing."Keith McQuait of Jim Thorpe served in the Navy from 1992 to 1998."I didn't serve in Iraq," McQuait said. "I was on a ship floating all over the ocean. I was a submarine tender.McQuait was thankful for the recognition."It's the first time that someone recognized us," he said. "It's the war that never ended."Before and after the program, there were various booths with information for veterans, American Home Care Services, Career Link, Veterans Mobile Center, Pa. National Guard, Blue Ridge Cable, Keystone Wounded Warriors, Lou Barletta's office, National Guard Armory in Lehighton, Warrior Watch Riders, Lehigh Carbon Community College, McCann School of Business and Technology, Federal Job Workshop, Valor Clinic and Tobyhanna Army Depot.Heffley's district offices are located at 110 N. Third St., 2nd floor, in Lehighton and 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, in Albrightsville. His satellite office, open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is located in the basement of the American Legion Post 123, 3 W. Ridge St., in Lansford."For more information, visit Heffley's website at

www.RepHeffley.com or call his district offices at (610) 377-6363 or (570) 722-8700.