Friendship Center honors veterans during Music for Meals celebration

The Carroll County Friendship Center held a Veterans Day celebration Nov. 12 during its Music for Meals event.

Commissioner Robert Wirkner delivered a speech titled “What Is a Veteran.” Traditions Hospice provided music and pinned more than 20 veterans as part of the recognition ceremony.

Director Tanya Myers welcomed guests and thanked community partners for supporting the event.

Corwin Koppelman, Carrollton Elementary School art teacher, presented a tribute by painting an eagle and American flag to the song “America the Beautiful” by Ken Mo. He gave the finished artwork to Raymond “Skip” Willis, 99, a World War II veteran and the oldest attendee.

Willis was sworn into the Army Jan. 5, 1945, in Cleveland and assigned to the infantry. He completed basic training at Camp Fannin, Texas, and advanced training at Camp Maxey, Texas. He later shipped out of Astoria, Washington, as part of the planned invasion force for Japan. While he was en route, the atomic bombs were dropped, leading to Japan’s surrender and ending the need for the invasion.

Willis arrived in Manila Bay during a typhoon and was assigned to the 3588 Trucking Company, transporting supplies and personnel between docks and depots. He later served with the 86th Infantry Division, 311th Medical Battalion, as an ambulance driver in and around Manila, including detached service near Clark Air Base. He returned to the United States in October 1946 and was discharged the following month.

Among the highlights of his service was witnessing the Philippines gain independence in July 1946, an event attended by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Sen. Robert Taft and Philippine leaders. Willis earned the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Independence Medal and the Marksman Rifle Medal.

The evening program also included the national anthem, a medley of songs, a moment of silence with Taps and presentations of carnations to spouses. Guests stayed for dinner, music and dancing, with meals provided free to veterans.