At the Elgin Veterans annual steak fry held Monday night, five proud veterans of the Korean Conflict were recognized. Just one was present to receive his Korean War Recognition Coin.
Gene Norton, 96, received his coin earlier in Lincoln at Memorial Stadium in a ceremony overseen by Governor Jim Pillen, Director Hilgert, and Deputy Director Levi Bennett of the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs. Other coin recipients unable to attend the ceremony were Fred Capler, Neil Childers and Joseph Reestman, U.S. Army; and Tom Meis, U.S. Air Force.
Following the presentation, Norton visited with The Elgin Review. He said he first learned on the coins by reading it in the newspaper (Omaha World Herald) and his daughter gathered more information about it. He then noted that his time in Korea began during peace time.
Earlier in the evening, Elgin’s two Girls Staters from 2026 (Samantha Stuhr and Kyla Donaldson) spoke about their week-long experience held in Lincoln last June. Boys Stater Gavin Kallhoff was unable to attend the program due to illness. The auxiliary served the ribeye steaks and provided salads, desserts and drink for the evening.
