Wenatchee Valley Veterans Day BBQ Lunch

08/16/2026

County Commissioner Shon Smith and Sheriff Mike Morrison joined American Legion 108 of Manson and the community today at their first Purple Heart Community Celebration. Manson WA Purple Heart Community

Join us tonight at 5:30 at the Wenatchee Convention Center for the third annual regional celebration. Doors open at 5 pm. Come help us honor our Purple Heart recipients!

08/16/2026

11 recipients of the Purple Heart were honored on Friday at the third annual Purple Heart Community Ceremony. We are sharing a few stories of these brave men this week.

💜💜 Coxswain John C. Drake, center, is a U.S. Navy veteran who served during WW II. He turns 100 later this year! His family joined him at Friday's ceremony.

John was assigned to an LCS-L (landing craft support – large) in 1944. The ship headed to the South Pacific to prepare for support of removing the Japanese from the Philippine islands. Upon reaching the Philippines, the LCS was one of six ships anchored at the mouth of Mariveles Bay on the island of Luzon.

On Feb. 15, 1945, their first night at anchor, five of the ships were attacked by Japanese su***de boats. The LCS that John was on was one of four ships sunk during the attack. Many lives were lost. John received shrapnel wounds to his left leg and had both eardrums broken. He received treatment on a variety of hospital ships and in different military hospitals, eventually returning to duty after the war officially ended. John was honorably discharged from service on June 12, 1946.

Following his military service, John took advantage of the educational opportunities provided through the GI Bill, earning a degree in biology and education. Coxswain Drake’s story reflects the courage, resilience and dedication of the Greatest Generation. 💜💜

Read all the stories behind our 11 honorees on our website:https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/files/veterans-program/documents/2026%20Honoree%20Slides.pdf

08/16/2026

11 recipients of the Purple Heart were honored last week at the third annual Purple Heart Community Ceremony. We are sharing a few stories of these brave men this week.

Shep Kuester of East Wenatchee enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 19, beginning a distinguished military career that would span more than 20 years. He faithfully served until his retirement in June 1988.

Among his many assignments, Shep found his greatest challenge—and greatest reward —serving aboard fast-attack submarines as an Independent Duty Corpsman. He was responsible for the crew’s health and well-being while operating in some of the Navy's most challenging environments. His skill, leadership, and calm under pressure earned the confidence of those who served alongside him.

Shep’s service was recognized with numerous military awards and decorations, including the Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal with two Bronze Stars, Navy Expeditionary Medal (two awards), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (five awards), Battle "E" Award (two awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

During his years in the Navy, Shep served at a variety of important duty stations, including Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Hospital Corps School at Great Lakes, Ill.; USS Durham (LKA-114); USS Narwhal (SSN-671); USS Cincinnati (SSN-693); USS Drum (SSN-677); Naval Hospital Oak Harbor; and Commander Submarine Group Eight in Naples, Italy.

Read all the stories behind our 11 honorees on our website: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/news/article/11-honorees-inducted-into-chelan-county-hall-of-honor

08/16/2026

11 recipients of the Purple Heart were honored last week at the third annual Purple Heart Community Ceremony. We are sharing a few stories of these brave men this week.

Richard L. Aliulis proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971 during the Vietnam War. Through his courage, leadership and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers, he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant.

During his military service, Richard distinguished himself through extraordinary bravery in combat. He was awarded the Purple Heart, three Bronze Star Medals, and the Silver Star. In one of the defining moments of his service, Richard risked his own life to rescue a fellow soldier, Neil Lark Sr. of South Carolina, after Mr. Lark's unit was ambushed. While carrying out the rescue, Richard came under enemy fire and was wounded. A bullet struck his helmet and became lodged at his forehead— a close call that underscored the danger he faced that day. Thanks to his courage and determination, both men survived the ambush and eventually returned home to their families.

For decades after the war, Richard and Neil did not see one another. Then, in 2011, Neil and his family traveled to the Seattle area, where the two veterans shared an emotional reunion after more than 40 years apart. Since that memorable meeting, they have remained in regular contact, a lasting testament to the bond forged through their shared experiences and Richard's life-saving actions.

Richard's service exemplifies courage, sacrifice, and devotion to his country and to the soldiers who served beside him. His heroism in the face of danger continues to inspire those who know his story, and his family remains deeply proud of him and his military service.

Read all the stories behind our 11 honorees on our website: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/news/article/11-honorees-inducted-into-chelan-county-hall-of-honor

08/08/2026

08/07/2026

💜 Today, We Honor Our Purple Heart Recipients 💜

Today, we pause to honor and recognize the brave men and women who earned the Purple Heart through sacrifice, courage, and service to our nation.

To every Purple Heart recipient: we see you, we honor you, and we thank you. Your bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

On behalf of our community and our nation, thank you for all you have done and for the sacrifices you and your families have made to protect our freedoms. 🇺🇸💜

With deepest gratitude and respect—thank you for your service.

🇺🇸