Elks Lodge 1718 hosted a reverent ceremony honoring veterans in all branches of the military on Nov. 12. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Elks Lodge 1718 in Port Clinton was packed with heroes and supporters for the annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 12. A reverent ceremony honored all branches of the military and paid special tribute to local Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient, Richard Winke.

Gene Sutton shared Winke’s incredible military history with the crowd. Winke was a private with Company B, 32nd Infantry, when his courageous actions earned the Silver Star recognition during an attack near Kumwha, Korea on Oct. 9, 1952. According to information from a 1953 commendation article, Winke was on duty in a company outpost when the post suffered intense artillery, mortar and ground force attacks.

Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient, Richard Winke, was honored at the Elks Lodge 1718 Veterans Appreciation Luncheon. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

When three bunkers were overrun, Winke assisted with a counterattack and distinguished himself by courageously exposing himself to “vicious enemy fire.” His gallantry contributed to repelling the enemy attack and reflected “great credit on himself and the military service.”

Six days later, Winke was wounded in another conflict, and his sacrifice was honored with the Purple Heart.

Sutton also recognized Army veteran Bill Sorg, who also earned a Purple Heart for his heroic actions.

Elks Lodge 1718 Exalted Ruler, Jim McKinney, said the Elks are committed to supporting veterans. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“The Purple Heart is a symbol of sacrifice that speaks volumes,” Sutton said “We thank him for his courage, his service, and his dedication to others.”

The Elks are deeply connected to veterans.

“We feel very much responsible,” said Elks Lodge 1718 Exalted Ruler, Jim McKinney. “We believe there is a Veterans Administration because there is an Elks. We were the foundation of the Veterans Administration.”

The Elks Lodge was packed with heroes for the Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 12. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

In Port Clinton, the Elks has become a welcoming retreat for local veterans.

“Veterans feel at home here. They can socialize with someone who has experienced their life and experienced war,” Sutton said.

The Elks are committed to supporting and promoting veterans.

“It’s just a part of who we are,” he said.