Veterans' stories, photos sought

The stories of service are as varied as they are memorable.

• In the Evans family, three family members — Major Gen. A.J. Evans, Col. Philip Brooks, and Col. Richard G. Evans — served a combined 95 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force.

Major General A.J. Evans entered the Army Air Corps in 1942 after graduation from West Point, flying fighters during World War II; Philip Brooks, who flew P-51s out of Great Britain, was in a dogfight with the first German jet ever spotted; and Richard G. Evans entered the Air Force and served in Vietnam.

• Cpl. Elden Koon joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 16 years of age and served in Korea. Koon was wounded twice and awarded two Purple Heart medals.

• George Dong, 95, was one of only a handful of Chinese-American soldiers to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for his service. 

• William (Bill) Hunt spent three tours of duty in Vietnam: in 1962, 1964, and his final tour in 1966. On his third tour in the Republic of Vietnam in 1966, he was declared missing in action.

They are just a few of the dozens of men and women whose stories have been shared in "Valor," a special publication that captures the stories and photographs of those who have served with connections to Bonner and Boundary counties.

To honor our veterans, we are asking for the public's help in honoring these men and women by sharing their photos, stories, and service. If known, please share any awards and recognitions they earned, including the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, and Congressional Medal of Honor, to name a few.

We want to share these stories and honor our servicemen and women before the tales are lost.

In addition, we are gathering information on local service and military groups, veterans services, and resources available to veterans and their families.

Our goal is to pay special tribute to our servicemen and servicewomen, paying special honor to those who have earned this country's highest honors.

The publication will include photos of our veterans. All are invited to send a service photo of those who served in their family, as well as information on the branch of service, years of service, and location of service. Stories and tales of their time in service are also welcomed and encouraged.

This keepsake publication will be published in the Nov. 7 editions of the Daily Bee and Bonners Ferry Herald.

Please send your photos and information by Oct. 24 to news@bonnercountydailybee.com.