October 3, 2026 – (Note – The sunrise’s bright light resulted in photos of Steven Ciardelli and Daniel Johnston taken at the ceremony being unacceptable. Today, October 5, at 4:47 p.m., Flight Leader Laurie Parsons sent good photos taken on the aircraft. Thank you! Laurie and Mike Parsons were Flight Leaders.)
Photographed by David Brown, Edited by John Ryan (The veterans faced the rising sun when these photos were taken.)
Gilles Brunet, US Army 1969-1972 – Vietnam
Raised on a rural dairy farm, at the age of 17, Gilles’s father would sign his paperwork to enlist in the Army. Influenced by his next-door neighbor, Gilles would also choose to go into the Army.
After receiving training as a heavy equipment operator, his first assignment would take him to Germany. While there, he was sent for two weeks of war games in Turkey. Gilles request to be reassigned to Vietnam would have him transferred to a Camp Eagle in central Vietnam near Phu Bai. An error in his orders placed him as a demolition specialist, resulting in a mine sweeping assignment. His orders would eventually be corrected.
After eight months of service in Vietnam, a downsizing order returned him stateside, where he would exit the Army. During his service, Gilles gained valuable experience. He combined his military training and experience with his passion for driving, leading him a 43-year career behind the wheel.
Steven Ciardelli, US Army 1966-1968 – Vietnam Era
Graduating from UVM in 1966 with a ROTC Commission Steve was ordered to Artillery School at Fort Sill. After completing training, he was ordered to the Fort Benning Army Training Center where he spent a year as a Training Officer in a basic training company. As a young Second Lieutenant, he learned the hard way to never ever sign for a supply inventory without counting. He was thankful for an understanding Sergeant Major and First Sergeant who took pity on him.
Ordered to Korea, he was assigned to Division G2. Here he ran a shift at the Division Tactical Operations Center and served as a briefing officer to the Division Commander. The first day on duty he was told: “Lt, I want to know everything that goes on in my division, and I want I-Corps to know nothing. If anything happens, I want you to be able to tell them I told you, but they failed to recognize the importance of the report.”
From 1967 through 1968 significant military action would occur during Steve’s time in Korea. During one of his duty assignments the division’s radio net had interference, he could hear the Vietnam Field Operator trying to call in a fire mission. Unable to contact his battery due to radio skip, Steve could hear both the Field Operator and his battery. In Korea, 1900 miles away, Steve was able to relay the fire mission information. It would be the only time while in the Army Steve used his artillery training.
Michael Clark, US Air Force 1971-1975 – Vietnam
Michael’s interest in planes led him to join the Air Force. As a 21-year-old, he would complete specialized training at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois, in Aircraft Structural Repair.
He would use his training in various assignments within Air Training, Tech, and SAC commands. These assignments took him to locations, including Las Vegas, Okinawa, Korea, Taiwan, and North Dakota. Throughout his enlistment period, he would complete repair work on numerous aircraft, including the Thunderbird F-111, the B-52, and the F-4 Phantom.
Michael takes immense pride in his service to his country and his faith. He has no regrets, except for the exposure he had to Agent Orange while stationed in Okinawa. Despite this, he would gladly repeat his service.
James Cross, US Army 1968-1971 – Vietnam
James, like his father before him, would choose to serve in the military. He would enjoy the physical challenges of boot camp, quickly shedding 65 pounds. Moving on to advanced training he would train as a Stock Control and Accounting Specialist, in warehousing and aircraft repair parts.
Upon completion of training, Jim received orders to Vietnam. Here he was assigned to food distribution. Arriving at Camp Davies in Saigon, he spent the next three months mostly working with Vietnamese, rarely interacting with other U.S. soldiers. Limited promotions would have him compete with nearly 105 other soldiers to earn a sole E-5 open slot.
Jim recalls his time in Vietnam as emotionally numbing. His Captain made him take a three-day leave when he had no reaction to the news that his aunt and Uncle, whom he was very close to, had been killed in a hit-and-run accident. While Jim felt fortunate that the service provided him with career options and travel opportunities, he was also saddened to witness the continued existence of prejudice.
James Gokey, US Air Force 1957-1961 – Vietnam
Jim enlisted in the service at the age of 17, entering on the buddy system that would last through basic training in San Antonio, Texas. He would go on to complete navigator intelligence school with a specialization in photo intelligence.
Following his training, Jim was assigned to SAC 8th Recognition Technical Squadron at Westover AFB in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he would serve for the entirety of his enlistment. His primary responsibilities included interpreting classified images and drafting.
Jim is grateful for the privilege to serve his country. He enjoyed his service years, which included playing golf for the Air Force for 2 years. He later wished he had reenlisted and made the service a career choice.
Larry Greene, US Army 1967-1969 – Vietnam
Larry would quit high school at 17 and head to the Army with his father’s blessing. At only 120lbs he would be selected as drill corporal, assisting with recruit training.
Refusing a placement in Germany, he would volunteer for Vietnam. Larry would serve with the 102nd as a proud combat engineer, and the 82nd Airbourne troops. As a member of an all-volunteer infantry group, they would fly in and get in front of the booby traps and land mines, performing search missions. This was a highly dangerous assignment, as the highest rate of causalities and injuries came from these devices.
Wounded, Larry would exit Vietnam on leave. to spend time in Hawaii with a friend. While there they would take his 64 Mustang to party with Carlos Santana.
Larry would return to Vietnam to finish his service commitment. He rarely speaks of his 19 months in country but stands tall to honor those who have served. He would receive numerous commendations for his service, one would be awarded 50 years later.
Daniel Johnston, US Marine Corps 1973-1975 – Vietnam
Dan would grow up fast, and learn to follow orders during his time in the Marine Corps. Arriving at the Parris Island at 18, for platoon motivation he would be crawling through the swamp mud, fighting mosquitos at 3am. Shipped to California he would complete 6 months of infantry training.
Dan’s assignments would take him to Okinawa, Cambodia, and Thailand. He would be present when the U.S. embassy would fall in Saigon. He would spend 38 days aboard the USS Fisher without seeing land; they would keep him busy pulling kitchen duty.
Bruce King, US Marine Corps 1968-1970 – Vietnam
Bruce always wanted to be a Marine, entering at 17, he would be the youngest in his unit. Stepping onto the yellow steps would have him grow up quickly. After infantry training, he would head to Vietnam as a combat engineer.
Bruce would spend 19 months in Vietnam. Retuning stateside after the first 6-months, he would marry and get to spend 7-days with his new wife before returning to Vietnam. His greatest worry would be that he would become a father to a child he would never see.
Back in Vietnam, he would be assigned on search and clear combat missions including Hill 10, 34, and 55. On mission, his group of 3 Army and 3 Marines would find themselves under heavy attack. Operating the company bulldozer, Bruce would be left to bury enemy soldiers.
Bruce would receive many commendations for his service while in Vietnam. He is proud be a U.S. Marine and his service to his country.
Charles Langlois, US Army 1964-1970 – Vietnam
A qualifying exam would place Charles in the field of teletype repair. He would learn equipment build to function. After six months of training, he would receive a duty assignment to a communications center in Germany. The equipment there would be old and outdated. It was from this old teletype equipment that a fellow soldier would notify him of his assignment to Vietnam.
Having no knowledge of the Vietnam environment, Charles can still feel the intense heat as the transport door opened. The Tan Son Nhute AFB would be under attack when he arrived. He would receive his duty assignment the next day at the American Embassy. Sent to the Westmoreland Compound in Saigon, he would work with all military branches at the Vietnam Military Assistance Command headquarters. In one year, he would go from a Private First Class to an E-5.
Charles has great pride in his service to the country and is grateful for the bonds of brotherhood that enriched his life and his service years.
Robert Joseph LaValley, US Army 1957-1959 – Cold War
Bob was assigned to the 25th Signal Corps as a Spec 4 in Karlsruhe, Germany. Changing transformers and running wire above the autobahn with cars going over 100 mph below you was NOT Bob’s favorite place.
Bob was fortunate to be picked to be a temporary driver for his Lieutenant, a position that became permanent once the Lieutenant took a liking to him. His driving ability, learned in North Country winters, became an asset in the muddy fields of Post WWII Germany.
One time, at night, the Lieutenant told Bob to look for a left hand turn in the middle of nowhere. The Lieutenant saw the road coming up, yelled, and pointed “TURN RIGHT HERE”. Bob thought this was a great opportunity to teach the Lieutenant some North Country humor, so he did exactly as he said and took a right!
Steven O’Brien, US Navy-Marine Corps 1967-1971 – Vietnam
Steven had a strong call to military service, as his father before him. His path to fulfilling his service was as a Marine in Vietnam as a Navy Corpsman.
After basic, his orders would send him for Corpsman training at A school. Next, he requested transfer to Camp Lejeune for Fleet Marine School. Here he would become a Marine, fully prepared for combat, earning acceptance and the respected title of “Doc.”
In Da Nang he joined the 1st Marine Division. Despite being told he couldn’t go on patrols, he would remove his collar devices, gear up, and head out. Often, he would take point, ensuring that newly assigned Marines didn’t have to.
Assigned to CAP 2-4-5 he would serve a major village. He provided medical care to his fellow Marines, and the people of the village. Their unit would control the day, but the enemy controlled the night, nothing was safe, anything could and was set as a booby trap or ambush.
Some of Steven’s service commendations include: two purple hearts, the Navy Commendation Medal with V Device, the Combat Action Medal, the Navy Presidential Citation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with Star and Marine Device, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action 2nd Class Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Medal.
Dale Perry, US Navy 1966-1972 – Vietnam
One of Dale’s first memories is that of heading into the “Susie” gas chamber without taking out his contact lens, while singing the Navy hymn. In advanced training he would have a choice between becoming a Torpedo man or Mineman.
The selection of Mineman, a classified specialty, would send him to A school for 19 weeks, then on to the Philippines. Dale would be assigned to maintain, inspect, and configure and perform pyrotechnics tests. He would learn to do build land mines, but sea mines would be his focus. An assignment in Scotland would have him driving tractor trailer loaded with 5 tons of mines through areas that were no more than tractor paths.
Being good with electronics and patience would make him good at his assignment, but it would also allow him to fulfill his lifelong passion as a gear head, working on engines and other equipment. The Navy would allow him to both work hard and play hard.
Warren Plumadore, US Marine Corps 1967-1973 – Vietnam
Warren, wanting a challenge, along with three school friends, would enlist in the Marines. It wouldn’t be long before he would see combat action.
Sent to Vietnam, he would learn fast. Pick someone if they hit ground so did you. He would engage in search and destroy missions during both Tet Offensives, on Hill 689, 651, and 950, LZ STUD, and Signal Hill. As a Marine in combat, he would be front and center for 13 months of military action.
Warren returned stateside as a combat veteran carrying many heavy memories. He would achieve the rank of E5 Sergeant and is proud to have served his country as a U.S. Marine.
Michael Smith, US Army 1967-2007 – Vietnam Era, OEF-OIF
Michael’s decades long service span had him called to duty for many Title 32 calls. These deployments would activate him for service needs at state, federal and placements abroad.
In 1967, he would be sent to Germany for 6 months to repair roads and backing up units being deployed to Vietnam. He would report to Camp Johnson during 9/11 to provide homeland defense. Called back again, he would be placed in charge of operations and securing all equipment. His unit would be tasked with mobilization for deployment for both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. On assignment they would provide road security in Iraq and Bagdad airport. The loss of a 21-year-old member of his unit, who never got to see his newborn, would take a tremendous toll on his interest in reenlistment.
Michael would leave the military as a highly decorated, E9 Sergeant Major. He takes great pride in a family service history that has spanned from the Revolutionary War with the Green Mountain Boys to present day.
Richard Somerset, US Air Force 1961-1965 – Vietnam, National Guard 1974-1995 Desert Storm
Richard would enter the Air Force with top test scores, looking to further his future education possibilities. He would be sent to Sheppard AFB for 6 months of Flight Control training for the Landing Ship Dock and Landing Ship Tank, and later return for another 24 weeks for silo and missile systems training. His duty assignments would take him to Strategic Missile Squadrons at Dyess AFB, Vandenberg AFB, and two assignments to Plattsburgh.
After exiting the Air Force at Plattsburgh in 1965, Richard would join the VT Air Guard in 1974, and head to Lowry AFB. From 1992-1995 he would join the Guard Bureau at Andrews AFB, here they would prepare ready team reports, evaluate AFB for new aircraft, and make recommendations. Richard would be placed in responsibility levels beyond his rank. He recalls the General not being happy to have him present for consult at his rank level.
Peru, NY, October 7, 2026 – Paving the closed Telegraph Rd. bridge is taking place today and tomorrow. The inspector on the scene said the bridge will remain closed until a subcontractor installs guardrails during the week of October 19. Hopefully, the bridge will reopen on Thursday or Friday of that week.
The next few days are packed with reliving our region’s role in U.S. History.
Get ready for a Halloween celebration with a little music, a little mischief, and plenty of treats!
PIPE SCREAMS
Pipe Organ “Screams”
Halloween Crafts
Cider & Donuts
Trick-or-Treating
