Veterans saluted at commemoration event

by Mary Rupert

Coming home from the Persian Gulf War, William Cheyne Worley went through the worst of experiences, ending finally in homelessness. Now he uses his experiences to help other veterans.

Overcoming challenges after returning to civilian life, Worley described his experiences to an audience Saturday, Nov. 8, at the annual Wyandotte County Veterans Day commemoration event.

Worley, a Desert Storm veteran, talked about the difficulties he experienced trying to re-enter civilian life.

Readjustments to family life, dealing with bureaucracy in receiving veterans’ services, and even homelessness were some of the situations he experienced, he said. Now he finds fulfillment in helping other veterans.

Currently an assistant to U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-3rd Dist., for veterans’ matters, he started as an assistant to U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore for veterans’ matters. Twelve years ago he became an unpaid intern there, followed by a paid position.

Worley praised U.S. military veterans on the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, which began in July 1914. Buddy poppies, a symbol of those who died in wars, originating in the Flanders battle in World War I, were distributed at the door.

Armistice Day, the earlier name for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, commemorated the armistice after the Meuse-Argonne offensive in 1918 in World War I, when there were more than 170,000 casualties. The battle was the turning point of the war. A total of more than 9 million soldiers from different nations died in World War I.

“Their sacrifice has earned the freedom and liberty we enjoy,” Worley said about all U.S. military veterans. “Today we honor their sacrifice for all they’ve done for the country.”

The Veterans Day event was held at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Village, 6723 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

Major Beverly Best, director of the Salvation Army Harbor Light Village, announced a grant program that includes supportive services for veterans and their families in Wyandotte County. It will link them to veterans benefits and housing.

“We deeply appreciate the way you served our country,” the event chair, Barbara Newby, told the veterans attending the event.

The program included music by the Piper High School Music in Motion group, a drill team presentation by the Washington High School Air Force Junior ROTC Armed Exhibition Drill Team, presentation of the colors by the VFW Post 6401, music by the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department Bagpipers, and refreshments.

Monetary donations were awarded to the Piper Music in Motion, Washington High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Salvation Army.

The public officials attending this event included State Sen. Pat Pettey, D-6th Dist., and Election Commissioner Bruce Newby.

The Veterans Day Commemoration was sponsored by the Kansas City, Kan., Women’s Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Salvation Army, Kansas City, Kan., Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kansas City, Kan., Public Library, VFW Post 6401 and Auxiliaries and Wyandotte County Museum.