The metro media turned out in force Wednesday morning to cover the Perry Hy-Vee’s free breakfast for veterans. The event kicked of a day-long schedule of Veterans Day activities honoring U.S. veterans.
The television invasion shows Perry’s importance as an emerging media market in central Iowa and does credit to the honor of our local war heroes, such as World War II veteran and Legion of Honor recipient Mahlon Conaway of Perry, who was interviewed by the news teams.
On duty at 6 a.m. sharp at the entrance to the Perry grocery store were members of the U.S. Army’s 1168th Transportation Company, headquartered in Perry. The medium tactical truck company’s crew included Sgt. Ben Gilge of Guthrie Center, Sfc. Rob Jessen of Johnston, Spc. Adam Ridgway of Roland, Spc. Brooklynn Maddison of Newton and Pv2. Mercedes Cross of Fort Dodge.
The 1168th has subordinate units stationed in Audubon and Marshalltown.
American Legion Post 85 Commander Mike Kelley was on hand to chat with reporters and welcome the many veterans who came for breakfast. Kelley, a Vietnam War veteran, said Perry’s Veterans Day events are “some of the most elaborate and most successful ceremonies in Iowa. We’re really proud of our program here at the high school.”
Ceremonies continued with a panel discussion in the Brady Library at Perry High School, followed by the formal Veterans Day program at 10 a.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center. A catered luncheon in the high school cafeteria rounds out the morning program.
The Perry American Legion will host a potato soup meal from 4-6 p.m. at the Post, 1324 First Ave. in Perry.
