The Connecticut Wartime Service Medal was presented to 22 military veterans in a ceremony at the Feb. 14, 2017, meeting of the Old Guard at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Hartford.

Old Guard recipients of Connecticut Wartime Service Medal after presentation on Feb. 14, 2017, at their meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Hartford. Courtesy of Don Kauke

Submitted by Don Kauke

Sean Connolly, Connecticut commissioner of Veterans Affairs, honored 22 veterans of wars at a meeting of the Old Guard, where all are members.

The Connecticut Wartime Service Medal is conferred by the state in recognition of service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conflict. More recent military service is also recognized by the state program.

Those honored were Phil Allmendinger, Martin Berman, Russ Jones, Bob Kiely, Dale Wolfe, John Caruso, Stanley Fellman, Jack Berquist, Pete Tiernan, Bernie Wilbur, David Crombie, Peter Lind, Mike Madden, Ken MacCormac, Bob McCarthy, Tom Desmond, Phil Trowbridge, Del Shilkret, Ernie Wignall, and Jeff Lee. Don Himes and Bruce Hamilton, two members who have the medal but never had it formally presented, were also honored.

Honorees were recognized for their service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and even the Merchant Marines in World War II.

Commissioner Connolly had visited the Old Guard in 2016 to describe the services available to veterans at the home in Rocky Hill. At that time he asked the assembly how many veterans were present and about 65 percent of the 100 attendees at the meeting raised their hands. He then asked how many had received the Connecticut honor and only a handful were aware of the award.

Arrangements were then made to make a formal presentation after filing required dates of military service and proof of state residence. Receipt of the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal award includes entry onto a state registry and award of a medal and ribbon for the designation.

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Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Sean Connolly (left) after conferring the Military Service Award to Peter Lind for World War II service in the Merchant Marines. The presentation was made at a meeting of the Old Guard. Lind was among 22 veterans who were honored at the ceremony. Courtesy of Don Kauke