3 veterans presented Quilts of Valor at Glen Lyon American Legion
May 29—GLEN LYON — The Glen Lyon American Legion Post 539 and VFW Post 8353 recently held a Memorial Day Quilt of Valor ceremony honoring three veterans for their service to our country.
The honorees were presented with patriotic quilts, crafted by members of the NEPA Quilts of Valor Chapter, in recognition of their courage and sacrifices, which will never be forgotten.
—Corrine Linker, of Nanticoke, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1983 and trained as a Radio Operator.
She served in Stuttgart, Germany, with Unit 75 Administration Seventh Corps Headquarters and the 2nd Armored Division in Carlstadt, Germany. She also served at Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md.
During her tenure, she served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and in Somalia for Operation Restore.
Linker received the Bronze Star, Kuwait Ribbon and Meritorious Service Award among others.
Prior to her honorable discharge, Linker served at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, completing 11 years of military service.
She is the Commander of the Glen Lyon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8353.
—Joseph Molski, of Wanamie, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force following graduation from Newport Township High School in 1952.
After basic training at Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, N.Y., and training as a radio operator, he later transitioned to the role of clerk serving at Kindley Air Force Base, Bermuda. He then served in Wiesbaden, Germany, for two years with the Military Air Transport Wing providing top-secret administrative support to the adjutant.
After returning to the U.S., our honoree served with the Atlantic Division Military Air Transport Service, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.
He received an honorable discharge in 1956, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He has been a member of both Glen Lyon posts for 65 years and past commander for many years. He now serves as Chaplain.
—Timothy Derr, of Unityville, enlisted in the U.S. Marines shortly after graduating from Newport Township High School in 1967. After basic training at Parris Island, S.C., he completed intensive infantry training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and further underwent jungle warfare training in San Diego, Calif.
Deployed to Vietnam in 1968, he joined the 1st Marine Division in DaNang, serving as a Lance Corporal and squad leader during major fire fights as part of I-Corps located nearest North Vietnam.
The honoree earned the Vietnam Campaign and Vietnam Service Medals and Combat Action Ribbon.
He concluded his active service in 1970 and subsequently joined the Marine Corps Reserves, where he received an honorable discharge in 1974.
He serves as finance officer of the Glen Lyon American Legion and quartermaster of the VFW.
For information on the NEPA Quilts of Valor Chapter, email nepaqov@gmail.com or visit the chapter's Facebook page at Northeast PA Quilts of Valor.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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