IN West County Spring 2019 | Page 16

Veteran Denny Bensur (center) is assisted on stage at Girard High School this past December by veteran Steve Dreistadt (right) and High School Principal Eric Louis after dedicating a plaque to honor the 27 members of the Class of 1967 who served during the Vietnam War. his missions included sweeping roadways for mines, building bridges, demolishing enemy sites, preparing field defenses, and facilitating the movement of troops. During the 37 years Bensur has been an active member of the Girard American Legion, he served as commander from 2004 until 2015 where his major project was overseeing the building of the new facility with Rich Manno, Angela Bensen, and Dick Pitonyak. He proudly attended its grand opening on Nov. 11, 2011. Three times he has been the recipient of the Commander of the Year Award. He has been involved in the Legion Honor Guard, which attends 60 to 65 funerals a year in Pennsylvania to honor veterans with a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.” Classmate Methel McDonald enlisted in the Army right after high school graduation because four of her seven brothers were already serving in the Army, with two of them in Vietnam. She began her two-year tour Jan. 1, 1968, with basic training at Fort McClellan in Alabama. Stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., she worked with General Williams, the deputy chief of staff for personnel. “The personnel data work I did required top-secret clearance,” McDonald says. “I worked with officials who were in charge of deployment and troop movement.” She credits the Army for instilling in her the discipline and persistence that have followed her in career choices after discharge. “I was hired because I was a veteran by Litton Industries in California to handle military guidance systems of aircraft and also with subcontracting work with Boeing.” All of the veterans answered the call of their country to serve during a difficult period in our history and stand up against hostile forces that threatened the freedom of a people far away from our shores. These men and women of the Class of 1967 are now a permanent memory in the community where they grew up and found the courage and strength to fight for the democratic principles that guided their mission. n “I am honored to represent my brothers and sisters from my class who served in the military during the Vietnam War. I am proud to dedicate this plaque to Girard High School in memory of those who served.” 14 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com