BRISTOL — Bristol American Legion Post 19 hosted the 32nd Annual Vermont Chapter One EX-POW Banquet on Saturday, June 3 to honor the sacrifices these gentlemen made to insure the freedoms we have and enjoy today.
The six in attendance this year came from around the state:  Mr. Francis Angier, Williston; Mr. William Busier, Essex Jct; Mr. Clyde Cassidy, Calais; Mr. Richard Hamilton (Chapter One Commander), Brattleboro; Mr. Roger Layn, Monkton; and Mr. Ralph McClintock, Jericho.
Department of Vermont American Legion dignitaries present included Dept. Senior Vice Jerry Stewart, Chester; Southern Area Commander Dave Woodard, Arlington; and Dept. Adjutant Don Tetreault, Rutland.
Col. Gregory Knight, the Deputy Chief of Staff and Personnel, for the Vermont Army National Guard was the guest speaker. Knight has 34 years of uniformed service. He has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of his awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (4th award); Army Commendation Metal (2nd award); Army Achievement Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Iraq Campaign Metal; and the Navy Unit Citation for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Ramadi, Iraq.
The 60 people in attendance enjoyed the afternoon with these special gentlemen. Post 19 is honored to be able to host this annual event for Chapter One.