Tag Archive: Korean War Veterans

Gil Loomis Receives Korean “Ambassador for Peace” Medal

Gil Loomis Receives Korean Ambassador for peace MedalGil Loomis recently became the latest of VFW Post 8870’s members to receive this award. Korean War veterans who served in country or in Korean waters during the Korean War, June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 are eligible for the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. The medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to US service men and women who served in the Korean conflict.

Gil Loomis Receives Korean Ambassador for peace MedalOther members have received this recognition, including several during an award ceremony held at the Edmonds Community College Veterans Day observance in 2016. Congratulations Gil and all the other recipients.

 

EdCC Veterans Day Event Honors Korean War Vets

Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal

Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal

Six members of Post 8870 were among 23 Korean War veterans honored by Edmonds Community College at their annual Veterans Day celebration November 2. The event filled the college’s Black Box Theater to standing room only.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of the Korean Ambassador for Peace medal to the Korean Veterans present. The medals were presented by the Korean consul general in Seattle, Moon Duk-ho. The proclamation accompanying it reads: “The Republic of Korea thanks these veterans for the service [they] performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy.”

EdCC Veterans Day Event Honors Korean War VetsPost 8870 member Jim Adams, Tom Hallums, Gil Loomis, Paul Poppe, Phil Sacks and Dan White were so honored.

The director of the college’s Veterans Resource Center, Navy retiree Chris Szarek, said, “Our campus chose to honor Korean War veterans as a way of ensuring that the brave men and women who served there know that their service is appreciated and to remind us of an often forgotten conflict.”

Other speakers at the event included state representative Cindy Ryu, who as Shoreline mayor was the first Korean American woman to be mayor of a U.S. city. Lynnwood Mayor Nicola Smith and Edmonds CC President Dr. Jean Hernandez also spoke. Our immediate past commander, Jim Blossey—also a Korean War veteran—was emcee for the program.

Korean War Vets gathered for a group photo following the ceremony. Legion and VFW members were joined by unaffiliated veterans

Korean War Vets gathered for a group photo following the ceremony. Legion and VFW members were joined by unaffiliated veterans

Attention Korean War Veterans: Not included at the EdCC Ceremony?

Korean Ambassador for Peace MedalThe ROK would like to correct that for eligible veterans

At the recent Veteran’s Day ceremony at Edmonds Community College, many Korean War veterans were honored by the Government of South Korea and were presented with medals for their service. Unfortunately, not all Korean War veterans received the medals. Thanks to Post member Jim Adams, Korean officials would like to correct that oversight and honor all those men and women who defended their nation. To be eligible for this recognition, you must prove you served in the combat theater between 25 June 1950 and 27 July 1953. A copy of your DD 214 should suffice, assuming it reflects your service in Korea. Eligible veterans should mail a copy of your DD 214 or other documentation that indicates you served in-country between the listed dates to Fred Apgar at 13816 North Pointe Circle, Mill Creek, WA 98012. A representative from the Korean Government will make a special presentation to eligible Post members at a future meeting.