Legion awards veterans' medals

Ron Coffin and his wife, Vi, of New Portland, are longtime members of the Coffin/ Hewey/ Safford American Legion and Auxiliary and also celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary recently. (Laura Dunham photo) MADISON — Members of the Coffin/ Hewey/ Safford American Legion Post #173 met on Saturday night, Oct. 11, at the River's Edge Restaurant in Madison for their Awards Night.

Ronald Coffin, who has served as Adjutant and Finance officer for the Legion for 53 years, presented the awards. First, Coffin presented a certificate of appreciation to the owner of the River's Edge Restaurant, Bert LaRosa, for being such a great host for the Legion's gatherings.

The names of those who received Certificates of appreciation but were unable to attend were then read: Kelly Garland, Aaron and Dulcey Holbrook, Karen Lane, Mary Tripp, Emily Quint and Karen Bate. Coffin presented certificates to those present: Diane Pinkham, Franklin and Mavorite Sargent.

Medals of grateful appreciation with certificates were awarded by Coffin to Franklin Sargent and Donald Tripp.

Special plaques were awarded to Vi Coffin for her dedication in working on fundraising events and at the North New Portland Fair Booth and for being a member of the Auxiliary for 27 years.

Also plaques were awarded to Robert Dunphy, Lois Page, Cecil and Elaine Holbrook and Department of Maine Adjutant Ron Sailor who were unable to attend.

Military Commendation Medals with Accolades were presented to: Donald Tripp, a United States Air Force veteran; and David Miller, retired United States Navy veteran —both were present for the presentation. Unable to attend was Mitchell Quint, United States Air Force veteran and Dennis Pinkham, a United States Army veteran who is also the Commander of the Coffin/ Hewey/ Safford American Legion Post.

Curtis Pinkham, who was unable to attend, was awarded a World War II Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal,; the Pacific Campaign medal, the Japan Army of Occupation medal, American Campaign Medal, the World War II victory medal, the marksman badge and the U.S. Army discharge medal.

Coffin said that he was very appreciative of Sen. Olympia Snowe's office which had assisted him in obtaining all the medals for the veterans which they had not been awarded during their tour of duty in the military many years ago.

A buffet dinner was enjoyed and then a social evening.