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Local Army, Navy and Air Force veterans of World War II and
Vietnam were honored at the Armed Forces Commemoration Dinner
at Shatley Springs on Saturday, May 17. Dan Soucek, Republican
candidate for North Carolina House, (District 93, Ashe and Watauga
Counties), addressed the group of veterans, spouses and other
attendees.
Soucek, a West Point graduate, spoke about his own military
experience as a platoon leader, company commander and top gun
helicopter pilot in the United States Army. He said his experience
has made him more appreciative of the sacrifices and contributions
made by our veterans.
“As a result of my time in the Army, I know and appreciate
the challenges, struggles and sacrifices our veterans make for
the good of our country. I know there are millions of fellow
Americans who join me in saying, ‘Thank You’”.
Soucek also talked about his military heritage and how it has
help shape his appreciation of those who serve in the armed
forces. He spoke about his being a direct descendant of John
Gano, George Washington’s chaplain during the Revolutionary
War, and the character and courage of our founding fathers.
Chaplain Gano is most famous for baptizing George Washington
in the Potomic River near what is now Washington D.C..
Nearly 20 veterans attended the dinner and also heard words
of inspiration from the key note speaker Col. Charles Knapp,
as he shared about his meritorious military career.
Dan Soucek is a candidate for the North Carolina House, representing
Ashe and Watauga counties. He currently works at Samaritan’s
Purse in international disaster relief and community development
where he serves as regional desk officer for the Horn of Africa,
the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia. He is married
to Kim Soucek and has 3 children, Isaac, Janie Ann and Lucy.
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