Quilts presented on Veterans Day

DAYTON–Two local veterans were presented Quilts of Valor at a ceremony held following the Veterans Day Breakfast at the Frank E. Bauers American Legion Post No. 42 here last Saturday. Charles G. Beleny, M.D., a retired Air Force colonel, and Chuck James, a Navy veteran, were honored.

The quilts were crafted by Linda Clarys of Dayton, and presented in a ceremony led by Jan Eaton.

Beleny served from 1979-2004, receiving his physician’s training from the Air Force. His assignments included working as a flight surgeon, family practice, sports medicine, women’s clinic, emergency room and Chief of Staff. Beleny consulted to the Air Force’s Surgeon General for six years while stationed at Wright-Patterson A.F.B. in Dayton, Ohio.

James was a radio operator for the Navy, and was stationed in Adak, Alaska, for the majority of his service. “I was one of the last to be taught Morse Code,” James said. “Because of those skills, whenever I was up for a transfer, it was denied because of those [Morse Code] skills.”

Past Post Commander wrapped each quilt around the deserving veteran.

Members of the local Girl Scout Troop assisted the Legion with serving the breakfast.