MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — More than medals were exchanged Friday when U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito met with three local veterans at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
It was a time for Gary L. Mason, Douglas G. Willis and Billy Max Boggs to share memories, and that also was special for Capito.
“This is one of the really nice things about my job as a United States senator, and that is to be able to help you recover your medals,” said Capito, R-W.Va. “And for me to express my thanks, especially when I listen and get a giant reminder of when you were much younger and were asked to serve your country.”
She arranged to meet the men after Friday’s unveiling of the medical center’s Medal of Honor Wall.
After the trio each spoke briefly about their lives in the military, Capito presented them with medals and praised their patriotic contributions.
Some family members, friends and other veterans also were on hand for the informal presentation.
Admirers in the audience included Hershel “Woody” Williams, the only living West Virginia recipient of the Medal of Honor, who also participated in the earlier ceremony dedicating the new wall.
Mason, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, received five awards, including the Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, and National Defense Service Medal.
Two other awards were related to his Vietnam War service, including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, and Vietnam Service Medal and Bronze Star Attachment.
Willis, who also served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, received the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, and National Defense Service Medal.
He also received two relating to his Vietnam War service, including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, and Vietnam Service Medal and Bronze Star Attachment.
Boggs served in the West Virginia Army National Guard, 157th Military Police Unit, in Martinsburg from 1981 to 2002. He currently is employed by the medical center.
He received the Meritorious Service Medal.