VET AIR FAMILY DAY – Monday, 3 to 8 p.m. at the Waterfront, 920 Main St., Holyoke. Kids eat free with an adult purchase. Proceeds to support Vet Air, a Holyoke-based veteran charity. Vet Air provides veterans with an air transportation option to and from healthcare facilities as well as compassionate flights.
THE WALL VISITS THE VALLEY: “The Wall That Heals,” a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be on display through Sunday at Gate 9 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
The Wall, which was unveiled on Veterans Day 1996, has visited more than 400 cities and towns throughout the nation. Inscribed on The Wall are the names of the more than 58,307 men and women who gave their lives or remain missing from the Vietnam War.
On Sunday, a tea with Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts will celebrate women veterans and hear from an Army veteran Martha Green of Pittsfield, who served as a nurse in Vietnam.
Veteran service providers will be on hand to assist veterans with benefits and programs and the Mobile Vet Center from the VA’s Springfield Vet Center will be on the grounds to furnish counseling and to support Veterans and their families.
For more information, including a complete schedule of events visit www.thewallthathealswestspringfield.com.
Following is a list of local veterans whose obituaries appeared in the Gazette between Aug. 5 and 18. The information given here about their service is what was provided in each obituary.
Joseph R. Blair, 79, Stuart, Florida, formerly Greenfield, d. July 13; he entered the U.S. Air Force March 31, 1955, in Springfield. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, awarded for demonstration of honesty, efficiency and fidelity. He was honorably discharged March 16, 1199, and continued available service with the Air Force Reserve until March 30, 1960.
Chester “Chet” Janis, 91, Holyoke, d. Aug. 7; he entered military service in May of 1943 and became a pilot of B-24 and B-29 bombers with the United States Army Air Corps. He was discharged in December of 1946 with the rank of First Lieutenant. Chet was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Albert “Al” Cary Hills Sr., 74, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, formerly Northampton, d. Aug. 6; Following graduation, he became a military cadet at Norwich University. He was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, followed by two tours in Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star for his meritorious service. He fulfilled his military commitment and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain in 1969.
Eugene R. Roy, 79, Southampton, d. Aug. 5; he was a Korean War veteran serving with the United States Air Force.
John F. Hall, 67, Northampton, d. Aug. 10; he entered the U.S. Army in 1968, proudly serving his country in Vietnam. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. John was honorably discharged and returned home in 1971.
Joseph Janczewski, 90, Pine Island, Florida, d. July 27; he was a World War II Navy veteran proudly serving his country in the Pacific.
John B. Roberts, Chesterfield, d. Aug. 12; he was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Army’s 85th Anti-Tank Division.
Veterans Voice appears twice each month. Readers are encouraged to submit announcements, questions, story ideas, military photos with captions and other materials of interest. Send submissions to Veterans Voice, c/o Brenda Nelson, Daily Hampshire Gazette, Box 299, Northampton, MA. 01061; or email bnelson@gazettenet.com.