Kalec - Rutledge Welcome Home Pinning

The EC-47 History Site Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program (CPP) chairman organized an in-home ceremony to present the Commemoration lapel pin and a certificate of appreciation to retired US Coast Guardsman, Chief Petty Officer Dennis Kalec. Kalec had registered and intended to participate in 2019 and 2020 ceremonies but has been unable to attend due to family health considerations. 

Chief Kalec enjoys a limited weekly outing to play a hand or two of friendly poker with his golfing buddies at the home of Curtis & Jana Jenkins...a perfect venue for recognizing Kalec with a "Welcome Home, Thank You For Your Service" tribute ceremony on Thursday evening, February 13, 2020. While setting up the event, the planners discovered that two more of Kalec's golfing and poker-playing buddies were also eligible for the Commemoration lapel pin...US Army Sergeant John Rutledge and Chief Master Sergeant (ret) Dan Delano. Delano had received a pin during a previous ceremony but Rutledge had not. The EC-47 History Site CPP outreach coordinator, Amado Molina, and President JJ Graham of the Heritage Chapter-Freedom Through Vigilance Association, presented lapel pins to Kalec and Rutledge. Host Curtis Jenkins, representing our San Angelo community involvement, presented Certificates of Appreciation on behalf of a grateful nation. Goodfellow AFB-assigned Coast Guard Chief Steve Sander and US Border Patrol Chief Charles Bush also attended to show their support in paying tribute to the service of these veterans. As a token of appreciation for opening their home and facilitating the event, CPP chairman Tom Nurre presented Jenkins an EC-47 ARDF History Exhibit challenge coin. Carl "Brad" Bradley, owner of Faith in a Flash Photography, choreographed the picture-taking. These are his photographs below.