Dance Will Recognize Service
The Brooke County Veterans Memorial Park Foundation will recognize a local veteran for his service while raising money for the park’s maintenance at its annual dinner-dance Saturday at the Wellsburg Banquet Hall.
Gene Camilletti of Wellsburg will receive the group’s veteran of the year award for his service to country and community. An Air Force veteran, Camilletti served at a military hospital in the United States that treated soldiers burned by flamethrowers, bombs and other weapons in the Korean War.
As a member of the foundation, he worked on a committee that compiled the names of 186 Brooke County veterans who died while serving in military conflicts and 27 who were prisoners of war. Those names are displayed on the granite wall at the memorial park. The site also includes a 7-foot tall and 4-foot wide cast bronze statue honoring all Brooke County veterans; a monument to Marine Lance Cpl. Michael J. Smith Jr., whose death in Iraq in 2004 inspired the park; and two ledgers representing Flanders Field and Arlington National Cemetery, symbols of those buried at home and abroad.
Serving as guest speaker for the dinner will be 1st Lt. Joseph W. Booth, commander and platoon leader of C Co. 1/150 Aviation (Assault) at the Army Aviation Support Facility at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport. The Rev. Dan Cooper, pastor of Hooverson Heights Church of Christ, will offer prayer.
Reservations should be made by Thursday by calling 304-670-6471, 304-374-7638 or 304-794-6546. Doors open at 5 p.m. The dinner, provided by Vito’s 2, is at 6 p.m., followed by a dance from 9 p.m. to midnight. Music will be provided by Twice As Nice. There also will be a 50-50 drawing. Beer and soft drinks will be provided. Attendees may bring other beverages and snacks.