Local heroes were honored at the Veterans Pinning Ceremony at the Allen-Clay Joint Fire District Hall in Genoa on Nov. 7. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

GENOA – When Keith Mottmiller was in 7th grade, his family visited his uncle who was serving with the Coast Guard at the Presque Isle Lighthouse. The experience set the course for his life, and when Mottmiller grew up, he, too, joined the Coast Guard.

Mottmiller was one of nearly 20 veterans who were honored at the Veterans Pinning Ceremony hosted by the Ed Griswold Senior Center at the Allen-Clay Joint Fire District Hall in Genoa on Nov. 7. The event was organized by Ottawa County Senior Resources with the help of Stein Hospice, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Ottawa County Veteran Services.

Navy Reserves veteran, Merlin Lieske, was among the men and women honored at the pinning ceremony. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Mottmiller said his uncle was the last lightkeeper before the light was automated.

“I was always fascinated with his work, and I always wanted to join the Coast Guard,” he said.

Mottmiller served from 1976 to 1980, working in ATONs (aids to navigation). He was grateful he had the opportunity to attend the pinning ceremony.

Nearly 20 veterans attended the Veterans Pinning Ceremony in Genoa on Nov. 7. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“This is the first one I’ve been to. This was great,” he said.

All of the veterans at the ceremony received a pin and certificate of appreciation. Stein Volunteer Services Manager, Molly Ryan, emceed the event, and Ashley Godwin presented each Vietnam veteran with a special honor pin. Pinning ceremonies were held across Ottawa County in the days leading up to Veterans Day.

Merlin Lieske of Elmore also attended the ceremony. He served with the Navy Reserves at the Naval Reserve Armory in Toledo from 1955 to 1963. He said his father encouraged him to consider the Navy Reserves.

“It was my dad’s influence,” he said.

Local veterans received pins and certificates of appreciation at the pinning ceremony. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Lieske said a few other men from Elmore also served at the armory, which made his service even more meaningful. Like Mottmiller, Lieske appreciated the many people who worked hard to honor the veterans at the pinning ceremony.

“It was very nice,” he said.