Indian Lake resident Garis Pugh was honored at a Veterans’ Day luncheon at Indian Lake High School on Tuesday afternoon. Pugh, a resident of Shawnee Island, received the flag that had flown over the Logan County Courthouse in August from Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram.
Pugh, a former employee of the Logan County Pollution Control District and 1968 graduate of Bellefontaine High School, served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. In his time in the military, he was trained as an Artillery Survey Specialist at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He received numerous commendations, including the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Overseas Service Bar.
Pugh was accompanied by his wife, Ginny, and longtime friend Bill Hempker, also a US Army Veteran.
After lunch, the vets introduced themselves before being seated in the auditorium. Once there, the crowd was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Noah Shirk and the National Anthem by Owen Kaser.
The keynote speaker was Captain (Ret.) and Green Beret Don Willis, who encouraged the students in the audience to find out what they enjoy and do it to the best of their ability.
Pugh discusses the honor of being recognized on Veterans Day:
