New Phila VFW honors locals at annual awards ceremony

  • By Teri Stein
  • February 12, 2010
  • 639
                        
The New Philadelphia Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1445 held their 57th annual awards ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 4. Honored were three Vietnam veterans, two elected officials, a New Philadelphia police officer and five students who participated in the post’s Voice of Democracy writing competition. Officer Ty Norris, also a veteran, was humbled in accepting an award for his actions in saving the life of a suicidal person. “That’s what the citizens of New Philadelphia expect me to do,” said Norris, noting that any of his fellow officers would have done the same thing given the opportunity. Norris reflected the thoughts of the approximately 100 in attendance when he said, “The veterans are truly our heroes. Without them none of us would be in this position.” Norris then led a round of the applause for the veterans for all they have done. Veterans receiving Americanism awards were Thomas R. Burke, Denny Ross, and Patrick Walker. “It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of myself and all the other veterans who have served their country,” said Burke. “All veterans deserve to be recognized.” Burke served in the U.S. Navy. He is now serving his second term as state council president of Vietnam Veterans of America. He also holds a seat on the Congressional veterans advisory committee for Congressman Zack Space of the 18th District. Ross began serving his country in 1956 and went to Vietnam 10 years later with the Army. Currently he is the commander of the Newcomerstown Veterans Honor Guard. Patrick Walker, who served with the U.S. Navy, is a life member of the VFW and president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 857 in New Philadelphia. Chairman of the Voice of Democracy contest, Norman Lanzer said, “The students really challenge themselves to excel when they do these essays and you can tell they speak from the heart.” Tom Sampsel, a student at Tuscarawas Central Catholic, won the first place award in the competition and read his essay on this year’s contest theme, Does America Still Have Heroes? First runner-up was a tie between Christina Anderson and Brendan Demuth, and Hannah Vinci and John Miller tied for honorable mention. All are students at Tuscarawas Central Catholic. Receiving community service awards were State Rep. Allan Sayre and State Sen. Jason Wilson. “It’s nice to be in the same crowd with some of our heroes and some of our future leaders,” said Sayre, referring to the other award winners in attendance. Jason Wilson was unable to attend; Sayre accepted on his behalf. Wilson, who resides in Columbiana, was appointed to the 30th District to replace his father, Charlie Wilson, who was elected to Congress. Woody Russell, public relations director for the New Philadelphia VFW post, said the organization began honoring deserving members of the community in 1953. “I was post commander back then,” said Russell, who celebrated his 90th birthday in December. Russell keeps a list of those he feels should be given an award. “There are an awful lot of people who need to be recognized, but every year we can only recognize four or five.” Russell is proud of the fact that the post was the first organization in the area to begin recognizing its outstanding citizens. “I like to do it,” said Russell, of his continuing involvement with the awards.


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