The Rotary Clubs of Eagan, Eagan Rotary and Kick-Start Rotary, recognized three local veterans who shared stories of the challenge and honor of their military experience. Selected from community interviews, Ben Coons (Navy- USS Essex and USS Randolph), Russel Adams (Marine- Vietnam), and Neil Constine (Marine- Africa, Middle East, and Japan) reflected on their experience. Presentation of the colors, invocation from a military chaplain and rotary member, and patriotic songs from the Eagan Men’s Chorus set the stage for the event.
“It has been an honor to hear these military stories,” said Bryan Frandrup of BankCherokee, Eagan Rotary member, and emcee for the 19th Veterans Recognition Luncheon. “Today our young men and women are also trained to work as a team, master sophisticated equipment and act in challenging situations. Then and now, they are a credit to our country.”
Each selected veteran gave a 15-minute reflection, received a plaque, and announced the charity to receive their $250 Rotary honorarium.