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Donald Brazones, WWII

Posted on November 10th, 2014

Prisoner of War recalls fateful mission, months in German POW camp

“When it was time for us to get the blue light (a signal from the Operations hut at the end of the runway signaling the pilot to take off) a pang of fright shot through my body at the realization that I was in the war and there was no escape. … Read More

Bob Bokram, Navy, WWII

Posted on November 9th, 2014

Bokram joined the Navy, ready to defend his country during WWII

By Tamara Stevens
Special to Emmet County
Everyone who volunteered for the military during World War II served their country. But not all who served fought in battle, though they were prepared to do so at any moment. Robert “Bob”… Read More

Stanley Pinson, WWII

Posted on August 9th, 2014

‘I was the pilot, navigator, radio operator, gunner, engineer – I did it all’

By Tamara Stevens
Special to Emmet County
It was 1944 – the height of World War II – when Stanley Thomas Pinson was finally deployed to Europe to fly fighter planes against Germany. After nearly… Read More

Linda Henry, Desert Shield and Operation Iraqi Freedom

Posted on July 10th, 2014

Air National Guard nurse served in Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom

By Tamara Stevens, Special to Emmet County
Standing at the front of a large conference room before 40-plus people, Linda B. Henry, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), a flight nurse with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, certainly… Read More

Chuck Bayless, WWII

Posted on July 10th, 2014

Torpedo bomber recalls travels and missions during WWII

By Tamara Stevens, Special to Emmet County
Charles “Chuck” Edward Bayless saw a lot of action during World War II. He also saw a considerable amount of islands and locations throughout the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Most of his view, though,… Read More

Neil Ahrens, Navy

Posted on July 9th, 2014

Young artist drops out of college and into the Navy – and into history

By Tamara Stevens
Special to Emmet County
Neil Ahrens looks through old photos of his days in the Navy. Not many people can say they have been face-to-face with an international hijacking terrorist. But Neil Ahrens can. As a Boatswain’s… Read More

Fred Amorose, WWII

Posted on June 10th, 2014

WWII Vet overcame injury and illness to fight at Guadalcanal and numerous battle sites

By Tamara Stevens
Special to Emmet County
Fred Amorose can recall many memories from the four years he served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Some memories are good, bringing a smile… Read More

Bay View to host D-Day documentary screening on June 6

Posted on June 5th, 2014

George Colburn’s documentary, "From Normandy to the White House" will be screened on the 70th anniversary of D-Day, Friday, June 6, 2014, at the Bay View Association in Petoskey. The screening will begin at 7 p.m. Prior, around 6 p.m., a flag-raising ceremony will take place… Read More

Hugh Winnell, Unit VMF 222

Posted on March 10th, 2014

WWII vet a witness to history

Update: Hugh Winnell passed away on Aug. 9, 2012, at the age of 88. Emmet County sends its respects to Mr. Winnell and his family. By Beth Anne Piehl

Hugh Winnell says he’s had two lives: The one he had before World War II, and the one he’s lived afterward, for the last 66 years.… Read More

David Riley, Vietnam

Posted on March 9th, 2014

A victim of Agent Orange, double-amputee served his country in the Marine Corps during Vietnam

By Tamara Stevens
Special to Emmet County
David Allen Riley volunteered to serve his country, like his father and his grandfather before him. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.… Read More