Veterans were pinned by District 13 Council member Gay Donnell Willis on Nov. 9. Photography by Syra Castillo.
The Marcus Annex Senior Center in District 13 hosted a Veterans Recognition pinning ceremony on Nov. 9 to honor veterans in the community.
Eight veterans were honored at the ceremony: Oscar “Jack” Pickels, Inez Martinez, Gil Peterson, Vin Scheihagen, Steve Black, Luther Thompson, Laticia Sumerlin and Rick Presley.
The program opened with the national anthem and a performance of taps. District 13 Council member Gay Donnell Willis then pinned each veteran and shared remarks about the importance of recognizing military service.
“I think that it’s great to honor these fellows this way, and it’s important that we recognize and acknowledge that service not only for those who served in the past, but those who are serving us today,” Willis said.
Following the ceremony, the veterans shared their experiences during a Q&A session.
Laticia Sumerlin, who served as a communications specialist in the Army, reflected on being the only woman among the veterans recognized at the ceremony.
“Sometimes it’s a little different about being the only female. It’s a good difference,” she said. “In the time that I went, it was fewer women. Now, there’s a lot more.”
Sumerlin said her military service gave her the opportunity to travel to places such as Japan, Guam and Hawaii. She added that her experience would have been much different had she served during wartime.
Darien Goode, recreation program coordinator at the Marcus Annex Senior Center, said the ceremony was an opportunity for the center to show its appreciation for veterans and acknowledge the sacrifices that come with military service.
“It’s not easy to serve your country. It’s not easy to be away from your family,” Goode said. “We just wanted to recognize their service for the sacrifices they made.”
