Five military veterans were presented with “Freedom Medals” during the fourth annual Veterans Day Dinner held Wednesday evening at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe.

More than 400 people — veterans and spouses — attended the free event, which was arranged by Christine LeClair, director of the Carbon County Office of Veterans Affairs.

The medals were presented by the America250PA Carbon Committee.

Recipients were Paul W. Bray and William E. Hines, both of Weatherly; Edward Moyer of Palmerton, and Joseph Pachorkowsky and Scott Reinhart, both of Lehighton.

The awards were presented by LeClair and Brigadier General Keith Graham, who was the guest speaker.

They were introduced by America250PA committee members Georgia Farrow, Kim Werley and David Severino.

Hines served in the military in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

For more than 26 years, he has assisted veterans file claims with the Veterans Administration.

He was appointed service coordinator for the Disabled American Veterans in Pennsylvania. In 2015 he was named state chaplain of the DAV and in 2021 was elected state commander.

He was also the recipients of the Disabled American Veterans of the Year Award.

Farrow said that Hines reminds us “true heroes do not seek recognition. They serve because they have a desire to do so.”

Bray served in the U.S. Navy from 1978 to 1985. During the Cuban Refugee Crisis, he served at Indiantown Gap where he provided lifesaving services.

He is a volunteer firefighter with the Citizens Fire Company of Weatherly and a life member of the Weatherly Ambulance Association.

Pachorkowsky represents a third generation of military members. He served in the Navy from 2004 to 2010. During that span, he received numerous medals and two letters of commendation.

He is active in the Lehighton American Legion Post, Franklin Township Fire Company and the Knights of Columbus.

Reinhart served in two branches of the military. He was in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966 during the Vietnam War. He was in the Air Force Reserve from 1981 to 1999 and called to active duty for Desert Storm.

He is a founding member of the Navy Club of Carbon County where he currently serves as commander. He created the “Honor the Flag” program which presents programs on the history of the American Flag in schools throughout Carbon County.

Moyer served in the military from 1966 to 1970. He is commander of the Palmerton American Legion Post.

He played a key role in reviving the Sons of the American Legion organization in Palmerton.

For the past 14 years, he has devoted one day each week driving veterans to appointments at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wilkes-Barre.

LeClair said the dinner is cosponsored by the Office of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans of Northeastern Pennsylvania. In addition, several organizations have made donations to keep the event free of cost for the veterans.

The main speaker is the executive director for Veterans Programs and Services in Pennsylvania. He gave a brief history on the founding of Veterans Day by President Abraham Lincoln and how veterans are celebrated more in the United States than they are in any other nation.

Graham also cautioned the veterans about scams. He said one which came to light just this week is on the Internet and tells veterans they can receive an additional $160. They’re directed to call an 800-number. Graham said they will be asked for bank information and then, instead of receiving the extra $160, will have money taken from the bank account.

There is never a charge for veterans’ services, he stressed.

Remarks were also given by State Sen. David Argall, State Rep. Doyle Heffley and Carbon County Commissioner Mike Sofranko.

The Panther Valley High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps presented the colors.

Selections were played by the Jim Thorpe High School Jazz Ensemble, including the four service songs.

Alexander Plesniarski, a Jim Thorpe High School student, gave a presentation of the Missing Man Table.

Introductions were also made by John LeClair, a Marian Catholic High School student. He also offered the benediction.

Angela Nardini sang the national anthem.